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CONTENTS 29

4

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19

LIFE

LIFE

ON THE COVER

NEWS

As Winchester Drive-In owner Lindy Shanbour celebrates renovations and almost 50 years in business, generations of customers and employees share the reason his blend of old-school and high-tech keeps them coming back again and again.

Story by Brett Dickerson P.39

4

City: Union Bus Station

14

OKG picks

31

8

Election: Ralph Crawford

19

News briefs

32

9

Food & Drink: gazpacho, 51st Street Speakeasy, food trucks, food briefs, OKG eat: all-American

Performing Arts: Red, White and Boom!

Sudoku / Crossword

10

Chicken-Fried News

34

Fit Local

12

Commentary

34

Active: OKC Energy FC

12

Letters

35

Music: WestFest, Turnpike Troubadours, 311, listings

39

Cover: Winchester Drive-In

42

Astrology

42

Classifieds

24

Eat Local

26

OKG shop: kids’ activities

27

Shop Local

28

Community: The Mobile Barbershop

29

Safety: fireworks

30

Visual Arts: J. Chris Johnson

MISSION STATEMENT Oklahoma Gazette’s mission is to stimulate, examine and inform the public on local quality of life issues and social needs, to recognize community accomplishments, and to provide a forum for inspiration, participation and interaction across all media.

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news city

Defining progress

Ed Shadid commissioned an architect to create this alternative development plan, which could save Union Bus Station from demolition.

As the city makes more room for new development and long-term growth, some wonder if it’s also destroying its vibrant history.

By Ben Felder

On the second floor of a downtown courthouse that has witnessed nearly 80 years of growth, destruction and more growth all around it, a councilman’s lawsuit to stop the demolition of an old bus station is simply a tantalizing headline.

The real story might be about the growing pains of Oklahoma City’s urban core as competing interests look to shape its infrastructure for the next generation.

“One person’s view of progress is Houston, Texas. Another person’s view of what is progress could be somewhere in Maine,” said Oklahoma County District Judge Roger Stuart following a two-day trial over City Councilman Ed Shadid’s attempt to save Union Bus Station. “This story is not a unique story about someone who views progress as different from somebody else. I, for one, am grateful that [Shadid] has raised this issue.”

Stuart, who is expected to offer a verdict within the next two weeks, also said he is limited in what he can do to halt the demolition, especially if the city ordinance is clear, as lawyers

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for the city and 499 Sheridan, the development proposed to replace the bus station, have argued.

But whether or not Union Bus Station is replaced with a mixeduse high-rise and parking garage or whether OKC will follow the lead of cities like Savannah, Georgia, which have turned similar venues into popular restaurants, the larger question remains: What should downtown Oklahoma City look like?

“Part of this case is that the Downtown Design Review Committee’s [DDRC] guideline and criteria for determining demolition isn’t very specific and there’s a lot of additional information that is sometimes presented and sometimes is not,” said Aubrey Hammontree, Oklahoma City’s planning director. “We have been working on this for four years, trying to strengthen the ordinance.”

One of Shadid’s arguments is that the demolition approval process regarding historic buildings is flawed. He believes the city will ultimately adjust this process to allow more time to present plans that

could help save historic structures such as Union Bus Station.

“I thought the evidence [to save it] was never really presented back in December to the DDRC,” Shadid said. “It’s unfortunate that it takes this expense and time of going to court to get the level of discourse that we should have seen in December.”

The case

When developers of the proposed 499 Sheridan project — expected to house offices for Devon Energy and other tenants — approached the Downtown Design Review Committee in December, they asserted that the station was “beyond repair” and the expense of moving the proposed construction to another location would be prohibitive.

Hammontree’s department made a recommendation to save the station, but the DDRC approved the demolition request.

Demolition opponents said the city was removing its few remaining historic structures, and in March,

Shadid filed a lawsuit claiming the DDRC failed to follow the city ordinance, which, he argued, requires the group to consider a structure’s historical value before approving or rejecting demolition plans.

Shadid’s opponents, including lawyers for the developer, implied he might be a rogue councilman looking to delay a project with ties to a corporation — Devon Energy — he might unfavorably view.

Shadid’s fellow council members voted to fight back, and last week’s trial in Oklahoma County court served as the stage for this conflict.

“The bus station really doesn’t [have historical significance],” said attorney Joe Bocock, who represents the 499 Sheridan developer, in his opening statement to the judge. “It’s just not architecturally significant.”

A movement

Though he is the council’s lone advocate for preservation of the bus continued on page 6

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station, Shadid hired an architect to create an alternative development plan that preserved the building.

Even the DDRC hearing in December featured just two opposition statements, which gave the appearance that most of the community agreed with 499 Sheridan development plans.

However, reaction on social media platforms showed stark opposition to demolition, especially among young adults.

“Likes” and retweets have little power against political persuasion.

At the December DDRC hearing, Allison Bailey spoke out against the demolition plan and said there were many more like her who felt the same way.

“There were a lot of people who voiced a frustration the same as mine on Twitter,” Bailey said. “But I don’t think a lot of those people sent an email to the DDRC or the city manager’s office. I think we see the same issue at play in voter turnout.”

Bailey said part of the challenge her generation faces is how to get more involved in the civic process by volunteering for various boards and contacting elected officials.

Bailey and others argue that the

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Union Bus Station sits empty while a fight continues to try to save it.

Developers want to demolish it in order to build a mixed-use office and parking high-rise.

We have been able to have an additional six months of discussion and reflection on what type of city we want to live in going forward. That’s a victory.

— Ed Shadid

proposed 499 Sheridan development will stifle nightlife and other quality-of-life features that residents look for when considering a move downtown. But while the online arena echoes Bailey’s beliefs, in the traditional halls of government, where developers and lawyers understandably focus on the bottom line, a competing narrative is harder to find.

Attorney David Box, who spoke in favor of the demolition, held up a 1950s aerial photo of downtown, which also was a piece of evidence Shadid’s team used to show just how few of those buildings still exist.

“When we look at this image, it might seem dark and sad that these buildings are gone. But if we really focus on what the image represents, this block right here, where all these buildings are gone, now stands the Devon Energy Center,” Box said during last week’s closing court argument. “I would submit that what stands there now is a much greater scenario for this city than this group of buildings [from the past].”

He then pointed to the spot where Chesapeake Energy Arena now stands.

“This block right here,” he said, “what it represents now is the home of the first professional sports franchise in this city’s history. I would submit that what we have now is better than what these buildings may have been.”

Shadid’s legal team said historic preservation has enhanced other projects, such as the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, which is more than 100 years old and was successfully restored a decade ago.

Box disagreed with the comparison.

“This is not the Skirvin Hotel,” he quipped.

Over the past few decades, for each saved Skirvin, there seems to be a lost Stage Center. However, unlike urban renewal attempts of the ’60s and ’70s (such as The Pei Plan), recent destruction of structures is followed by the construction of glossy towers.

On the block along the former Stage Center site, four high-rise towers including condominiums and a new headquarters for Oklahoma Gas & Electric are planned. One block over is Devon Energy Center.

The addition of a convention center and the 499 Sheridan development will inject vitality into the area that it lacked just 20 years ago, but it also will sever many of the city’s structural and visual ties to its past.

There is no consensus on which might be healthier for the city — new skyscrapers or a renovated older building with character and history — but Hammontree said successful downtown growth incorporates competing thoughts, visions and developments.

“It means everybody is interested in the [future of downtown],” she said about the court case. “And that’s not a bad thing.”

Open discussion

As Shadid waits for the verdict in a case he admits is a long shot, he refers to his effort as partly successful.

“I think there is more than one way to win, and I think we have already won,” Shadid said. “The goal of Devon and the developers was to ... spring this on the public in the middle of December, 10 days before Christmas, get it heard and start the demolition quickly. We have been able to have an additional six months of discussion and reflection on what type of city we want to live in going forward. That’s a victory.”

Developer rights were a major theme of the case, as lawyers for 499 Sheridan said the city had no right to tell a business how to build a building in downtown as long as it followed city ordinances.

Shadid disagreed.

“The taxpayers have invested so much money in the public infrastructure around [downtown], so to some extent, the public does have a little more right to be a partner in this development,” he said. “[The developer] can argue that they’re not taking taxpayer funds through this development, but the truth is the taxpayers are putting $130 million in a streetcar that goes to their front door, there are Project 180 improvements, there are the Myriad Garden improvements and so many other investments by the taxpayers.

“If you want to do something out in the suburbs on empty land,

Ed Shadid

we could[n’t] care less; do what you want. ... But if you are going to demolish the last intact grouping of historic buildings [downtown], there is going to be a loss to society.

Society is giving up something, so there has to be a balance.”

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NEWS election

k eaton dra per

needed to continue my service, and I became a firefighter and it was the most rewarding thing I had ever done.

In 1990, I transferred [from Bethany] to the Oklahoma City department and finished out my career with 27 years in both fire departments. I’m proud of that service.

Ralph Crawford

Service call

As House District 85 heads into a primary vote on July 14, Republican candidate Ralph Crawford does an Oklahoma Gazette Q&A.

by ben felder

Republican voters in House District 85 head to the polls on July 14 and will have four candidates to choose from.

In the third of four installments, Oklahoma Gazette presents a Q&A with Ralph Crawford, a veteran and retired firefighter who is in his first campaign for office.

Oklahoma Gazette: You served in the army. What led you to that decision?

Ralph Crawford: I graduated from Putnam City High School in 1971.

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Three days later, I was in Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Two weeks before I graduated, I went to my dad and said, “I want to follow in your footsteps; I want to serve in the military.” I just felt the need to serve my country, and I did. I learned a lot of things while I was there: duty, leadership, service, patriotism. It helped me grow up a little bit. I probably wasn’t ready for college until after that.

OKG: What led you to become a firefighter?

RC: In the early ’80s, I felt like I

OKG: Weren’t you ready for a break when you retired in 2010?

RC: I was just going to play golf every day and enjoy my retirement. But it wasn’t long after that that I realized service didn’t end with retirement.

[My wife is a school teacher], and she started having difficulties as far as keeping control of what she could teach in her classroom, and I got involved in the Common Core fight and worked on that for three or four years. I was just going out to the state capitol and being a citizen advocate, and we defeated Common Core last year, and that was a huge victory.

I got to meet legislators, I got to meet school board members and so many people that I don’t think I would have met had I just sat back in my retirement. I just wanted to keep being involved. That’s when I met [former House District 85 representative] David Dank. He was my representative, and I made sure to say hi to him at the start of every day during the session when I was up there, and he would invite me in to talk.

I am very proud of some of the things he did. He really worked hard with the tax credits and was trying to work on corporate welfare. But next thing I know, David Dank has passed away and I’m standing there, wondering what we do. I started getting pressure from friends and neighbors and people who knew I had been involved in politics for the past few years, and next thing I know, I am in this campaign.

OKG: With your wife a teacher at Deer Creek and your involvement in the Common Core fight, I would imagine education would be an important issue for you as a lawmaker.

RC: Governmental intrusion [through Common Core] was taking away [my wife’s] ability to be creative. Children don’t learn at the same rate, and she knew that. I think this fight still continues today.

OKG: What’s your view on school choice?

RC: Nobody in the world knows their child as well as that parent. I think every parent should have the opportunity to get the best education for their child, regardless of where they come from, how much money they make or the ethnicity of that child.

That’s what I firmly believe.

OKG: Your wife is a public school teacher, but you don’t see school choice as harmful to public schools?

RC: Absolutely not. The teachers that I know don’t feel that way. For one thing, it’s going to make school districts perform better.

OKG: Do you support increasing education spending at the state level?

RC: I wish we could find out how much money is being spent in areas and really know. I think we have plenty of money; we just need to spend it wisely. We are putting money where it doesn’t belong. We need to get the money back into that classroom.

OKG: What separates you from the field of Republican candidates in this primary?

RC: First is age. I have 20-some years on them, and that’s life experience, and that is big. I am a 63-year-old, and I have the time to do this. I’ve put the golf clubs up. My willingness to be available and bring good outcomes rather than conflict is one of my qualities. I am passionate about letting people make their own choices, and I think I can lead there.

Governmental intrusion [through Common Core] was taking away [my wife’s] ability to be creative. Children don’t learn at the same rate and she knew that. I think this fight still continues today.

— Ralph Crawford

OKG: How do you plan to be available to your constituents?

RC: I want to meet with the constituents of District 85, and I have found a way to do that [if elected].

Every Saturday during the session, meet somewhere in the district that serves breakfast and we will meet at 8 in the morning. If 85 people show up, I won’t leave until everyone has been heard. If we only have five, or two or three, we will have an intimate little breakfast and talk about their concerns. That has resonated with nearly everyone I have talked to because they want to be heard.

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Classen improvements

In a memo to the Oklahoma City Council, City Manager Jim Couch said Oklahoma City police officers could be wearing body cameras by the end of the year.

“We had outlined a program [for body cameras last year] but had run into some concerns with the Open Records Act,” Assistant City Manager M.T. Berry told the council last week. “We were successful this legislative session to get some changes made to the act that will allow us to stay with the program.”

The city originally sought vendors to provide the cameras in February and has received 13 responses, according to Couch’s memo. Presentations from selected vendors will be made later this summer, and following a 30-day testing period, cameras will be deployed to officers in December, according to a proposed timeline from the city.

The use of body cameras for police officers became a national talking point following the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which sparked a national debate over police tactics in minority communities.

Three Oklahoma City Public Schools graduates will be inducted into the Wall of Fame this year.

Hosted by The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, the award honors OKCPS alumni who have made great contributions to the local community, and each inductee will be honored at a November ceremony.

“Our 2015 honorees embody everything that is possible within the Oklahoma City Public Schools District, both in the past and for the future,” said Mary Mélon, president and CEO of The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools.

The three inductees are Dr. Benton Clark, Commissioner Willa Johnson (pictured) and Kathy Taylor.

Clark, who graduated from Classen High School, studied biophysics and has worked with Lockheed Martin and NASA to study space. Johnson, a graduate of Douglass High School, was the first African-American woman elected to the Oklahoma City Council and was later elected an Oklahoma County commissioner. Taylor, a graduate of John Marshall Mid-High School, has an accomplished business resume and served as mayor of Tulsa.

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By the numbers $18 million. That’s the amount of federal funds that will be available for this year’s Summer Cooling Program in Oklahoma. The funds will be used to assist lowincome residents who are vulnerable to summer-heat stresses. The Department of Human Services will begin taking applications for assistance on July 7. Citizens who are at risk for heat-related health problems due to a lack of adequate cooling are encouraged to apply.

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On Classen Boulevard, the car is king.

Twenty to 25,000 cars travel the “urban highway” every day, according to traffic count figures from the city. What used to be a streetcar route connecting residents in northwest Oklahoma City with jobs downtown is now a six-lane thoroughfare where pedestrians, cyclists and transit users are often at odds on how to cross from one side to the next, let alone travel along the boulevard.

“We have really great walkable and bikeable streets in our neighborhoods [along Classen],” said Shane Hampton, a fellow at the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities (IQC). “But we also have some streets that act as barriers to cyclists, and I think Classen is perceived as one of those barriers.”

Following a grassroots effort to reconsider the use of Classen, IQC began studying the corridor earlier this year and presented a slate of ideas during a public forum last week. Proposals ranged from immediate improvements using paint and movable planters to create protected bike lanes to long-range plans that could include lanes dedicated for public transit.

The key principles Hampton said his team sought were allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross Classen safely, keep the boulevard as a commuter corridor, make improvements to the appearance of the road and its surroundings and develop Classen into a critical transit thoroughfare.

Jonathan Dodson (pictured), a local developer and resident near Classen, spearheaded the effort to reconsider the boulevard and said the project also represents a movement among average citizens who are willing to get more involved in civic decisions.

Councilwoman Meg Salyer has also been involved in the project, lending her support and encouraging the group to dream big.

“I had an opportunity to see a draft of this report a couple weeks ago ... I can’t tell you how blown away I am by this finished project,” Salyer said. “As we are looking out over a 10-year horizon, we can pilot some program to see what works.”

Salyer added that a future bond might be easier to use for permanent projects that are shown to be successful through the trials.

GA RE TT fI S BE C k

By Ben Felder

j o n es shauULnY 15-18 J

orgjaunn m n h o j rajun ca ENT the ENGAGEM SPECJIAULLY 22-25

Quotable “The Oklahoma City Fire Marshal’s Office wants all of our residents to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Leaving fireworks to the professionals and enjoying a public display is a wonderful way to celebrate our country’s birthday.”

Those were the words of Oklahoma City Deputy Fire Chief Kellie Sawyers, who wants to remind residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits.

Sawyers also said violators of the ban could face a $167 fine plus court costs. See more about fireworks safety on page 29.

dler mat2t9s-aAUGUST 1

J U LY

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CHiCKEN CKEN Theta burglars

Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler uses a mix of gas and charcoal to give their burgers a unique, backyard-grilled taste. But that’s no reason to break in four times.

Yes, the Johnnie’s at 13900 N. May Ave. seems to have repeat customers of the unwanted variety, as a pair of armed thieves have broken into the restaurant multiple times this year.

Owner Rick Haynes said the suspects “usually” shoot out the glass door and come on in. Video surveillance from the most recent incident shows the crooks ransacking the place and looking for cash.

The pair — entirely covered, including surgical masks — came in while employees were arriving for work.

So far, no arrests have been made in the breakins and no one is saying if the real motive behind the destruction has something to do with that giant slab of unmelted shredded cheese that comes on top burgers. Because that cheese is bleeping amazing.

FRiED NEWS Beat it

It seems like this would be a rhetorical question: Should a man convicted of domestic assault be the political director of the Oklahoma Republican Party?

But thanks to party chairman Randy Brogdon, who appointed T.C. Ryan to the position, state politicos had to deal with it as a reality.

In 2012, Ryan pleaded guilty to domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor child and interference with an emergency telephone call in Tulsa County District Court. He was sentenced to probation.

While Oklahoma County GOP officials called for Ryan’s ouster, Brogdon doubled down, saying it was a tactic being used by establishment Republicans to take down the grassroots party leadership.

The motives behind the fight are irrelevant, though.

As Oklahoma continues to grow as a destination for economic development, it’s troubling that the state’s most

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powerful political party didn’t recognize how detrimental it is to have a man who recently pleaded guilty to domestic assault in a position of authority.

Brogdon was quoted in the Tulsa World on the controversy, saying, “When I do engage, I will engage with full force, and I will win this fight.”

Ryan has since resigned.

Get ’er done

The Oklahoma Legislature gave the City of Oklahoma City an early Christmas present: a $9 million bill to complete a Native American museum the city never asked for.

State lawmakers approved a plan to finish the stalled project in Oklahoma City, but it would require the city to contribute millions. Mayor Mick Cornett has said he will review the proposal and the city will consider it as an option.

Oklahoma City has encouraged the state to finish its museum and believes it could help spark additional development near the Oklahoma River. As

it stands now, the partially built museum serves as a reminder of what can and can’t be accomplished when lawmakers put their heads together.

Confederate controversy

In the wake of the mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, the national debate about what to do with the Confederate battle flag has (unlike the South) risen again.

South Carolina, where the massacre occurred, and Alabama, where the Confederate flag is part of the state flag, are wrestling over the fate of the divisive symbol.

Oklahoma flew the Confederate flag at the state Capitol for 22 years, from 1966 to 1988. And when it came down, it wasn’t so much for political reasons as for logistics — 14 different flags at the Capitol were removed during renovations.

When the work was finished, however, 13 flags returned to the sky while

the Confederate flag stayed down.

Maybe it’s time to look for construction needs in other state Capitols if those lawmakers are interested in a no-fuss, no-muss solution to taking down their flags.

Wal-Mart busted

A convicted child molester on the run from the law for almost 20 years was found working at an Oklahoma Wal-Mart under an assumed name.

CBS Pittsburgh reported that police found Lynn Owen Cozart, 63, through the use of facial recognition and fingerprint software and he had been working at the Wal-Mart in Muskogee for around 12 years. Pennsylvania marshals contacted the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force in Oklahoma and said they believed Cozart was here and was using the assumed name David Stone.

“They got the information that he could possibly be here and the alias he could possibly be using, along with a picture, and one of our officers said, ‘Hey, I know that guy. He works at

Wal-Mart,’” Officer Lincoln Anderson said.

Cozart was convicted in February 1996 and disappeared while he was out on bail, awaiting sentencing, in April 1996.

Cozart faces at least 15 years for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with three children, CBS Pittsburgh reported, and might also face charges for eluding authorities.

Plain snakes

You’re not the only one that is tired of all the rain. The snakes and other vermin are also sick of the rain the state has seen in the last two months.

With the additional precipitation from Tropical Storm Bill a couple of weeks ago, the Red River has been rising for some time and chaos on a biblical level has broken out around some levees.

Along the Washita River by Tishomingo, many snakes, armadillos and beavers were seen seeking higher ground, according to KOCO.com.

The news channel’s storm chaser, Jeromy Carter, saw dozens of slithery reptiles along

the Washita River, but he stopped counting after 20.

Marriage wows

Some of Oklahoma’s religious conservatives found themselves all kinds of ragey as the United States Supreme Court readied Friday’s landmark decision regarding same-sex marriage.

For all the huffing and puffing, though, opponents could not blow down the institution of marriage or the fact that it now legally includes LGBTQ couples.

Recently, Rev. Doug Melton, senior pastor of Southern Hill Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, vocally supported national Southern Baptist leader Ronnie Floyd’s statements condemning the practice and vowing to never officiate a gay wedding.

“America: We stand believing that marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment for a lifetime,” Floyd said, according to the Associated Press.

Melton agreed.

“Our stance remains as it has been

because God’s Word remains the same,” he told NewsOK.com.

Because, obviously, he’s not talking about members of his own flock who might be divorced, single parents or remarried … or (ahem, God forbid) gay.

That would be hypocritical.

The bluster quickly transformed into a collective groan, however, as the Supreme Court made its own decision based on the laws of our country and the rights guaranteed to its citizens.

After the decision, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Executive DirectorTreasurer Anthony Jordan responded via press release.

“Nothing has changed and everything has changed … We will face those challenges with uncompromising faith and inclusive love for all,” he said.

“People of faith will face new challenges, and our religious freedom will likely come under assault.”

That hits us as a bit reactionary, but it’s far more hopeful than Texas pastor Rick Scarborough’s response reported in The Washington Post: “We are not going to bend, we are not going to bow. If necessary, we are going to burn.”

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COMMENTARY GA ZE TTE STA FF / FI l E

Seeking independence

BY BILL BLEAKLEY

Oklahoma’s Democratic Party is on the verge of having a stroke of genius. Party officials announced they’re considering opening primary and runoff elections to Independent voters at the party’s July 25 delegate meeting at Oklahoma City Community College.

The Democrats’ intent is clear: to be more inclusive, expand primary participation and draw voters to Democratic candidates in general elections.

For years, Oklahoma Gazette has championed opening all primaries and runoffs to Independents, and here’s why: A substantial majority of voters want to permit Independent participation in our elections. In May 2010, this newspaper commissioned a SoonerPoll. com survey, which found that two-thirds of Oklahoma’s registered voters agree with the proposal.

The poll indicated two-thirds of registered Democrats, half of registered Republicans and virtually all registered Independents were in favor of the change.

In conversations with office holders and politically active citizens, I’ve seldom encountered anyone who is not in favor of Independents voting in primaries and runoffs. What objections there were came

from hyper-partisan officeholders or the political operatives who elect them.

A Sunday editorial in the metro’s daily paper opined that the Democrats’ plan won’t make much difference. It characterized some Independent voters as “people who aren’t always that interested in politics” and “someone who has devoted little thought to political issues at all” and therefore would have little impact in primaries. I disagree.

Opening primaries to Independents should have a positive and much needed effect on voter participation. Recent election turnouts are trending from low to pathetically low, threatening our democratic form of government.

Participation of Independents in primaries and runoffs could encourage a broader field of candidates, which, in turn, will result in general election candidates of greater appeal to all voters.

In the last 25 years, registered Independents emerged as a potentially powerful group of voters. From a head count of 46,567 registered Independents comprising 2.4 percent of all Oklahoma registered voters in 1990, their ranks swelled to 261,429 by January 2015 — 12.9 percent of all registered voters.

So why are Democrats signaling the implementation of this change, yet the Republican Party has expressed no interest?

For one thing, it’s fairly obvious that Republicans find themselves in the catbird seat — for now.

Democrat and Republican registrations are now virtually tied. In January, Republicans lead by 3,467 voters and a 0.2 percent margin. Notwithstanding the parties’ equal registration, current partisan election outcomes in Oklahoma are overwhelmingly Republican.

Since 1990, Independents and Republicans equally increased their proportionate shares of registered voters as Democratic registration declined. Why, then, would it not be in the Republicans’ interest to open their primaries and runoffs to those same Independents who left or avoided the Democratic Party?

There might be a deeper answer: This state’s Republican election politics appear to be greatly influenced by partisan operatives who seem to find their successes in low-turnout elections. The game plan is simple: Quietly identify hard-core voters who support their candidates, and then do everything possible to get them to the polls while doing very little to stimulate broader

Opinions expressed on the commentary page, in letters to the editor and elsewhere in this newspaper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

voter participation in the election.

That’s good for their candidates, who typically have relatively well-financed campaigns, but it’s bad for democracy.

It stifles candidates who are outside the inner sanctum of party politics and are attempting to bring fresh ideas and mainstream positions to the election.

Primaries open to Independents would encourage more candidates from both parties apart from their ideological fringes and give all voters more politically moderate candidates in general elections.

The daily’s editorial also chided Independents for not voting in large numbers in general elections and offers “their indifference to politics” as the reason.

The more likely reason for their apathy is the lack of meaningful choices.

Republicans should take note of the Democratic Party’s pending action. If it gives notice that it will open primaries to Independents, the Republican Party has until Dec. 15 to give notice if it, too, wants open primaries and runoffs.

If they don’t, Republicans must wait two years to do the same and their nomination elections will be closed to Independents in the 2016 election. Failing to do so could be a mistake.

Bill Bleakley is owner and publisher of Oklahoma Gazette.

LETTERS Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section.

The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to jchancellor@ okgazette.com or sent online at okgazette. com. Include a city of residence and contact number for verification.

Concerning incarceration

I want to commend Ben Felder for posing tough questions and sharing (what should be) startling statistics around the achievement gap between our AfricanAmerican co-citizens and their white peers (News, Cover, “Warning bells,” June 3, Oklahoma Gazette).

The hard truth is we face problems both systematic and intergenerational, leaving no area of life untouched.

Poverty, low academic achievement and incarceration are huge barriers impeding our friends’ and neighbors’

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success, each having many layers from root cause to breaking the cycles and adverse effects. In a state that incarcerates women more than any other in the nation and ranks No. 3 or No. 4 for men (depending how Texas is feeling), we have a unique challenge. Children of incarcerated parents are five times more likely to enter the justice system than their peers. There are 50,000 children across Oklahoma who have one or both parent incarcerated.

Research shows that mentorship is the only proven prevention measure to break intergenerational cycles of poverty and incarceration. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma has employed evidence-based strategies in Oklahoma communities for more than 50 years. Because we are able to reach at-risk children before they are making hard choices that come along with early parenting, dropping out of school, violence and drug and alcohol abuse, it is effective and efficient.

When a caring adult mentor stands in the gap, at-risk children defy statistics.

Data shows that after participation in our program for 12 months, 86 percent have a boost in self-confidence and 80 percent are better equipped to express their feelings. Sixty-eight percent improve academic performance and they are 75 percent more likely to earn a college degree. A community-wide achievement gap requires a community-

wide response. We have children all over the state sitting on a waiting list. They’ve raised their hand, asking for someone to walk alongside them as they navigate life. Mentorship requires presence, not perfection.

If you’d like more information, please call us at 943-8075.

— Rachel Hernandez Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma Oklahoma City

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OKG picks are events

recommended by Oklahoma Gazette editorial staff members.

For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com.

BOOKS

Party Subs • Sandwiches Chef Salads • Party Trays Lean Meats • Pastries Cookie Trays

The BOBs, book club for teens 12 and older; discussion of the book Sylo, by D.J. MacHale, 3:30 p.m., July 7.

Best of Books, 1313 E. Danforth Road, Edmond, 3409202, bestofbooksedmond.com. TUE

FILM Coming to America, (US, 1988, dir. John Landis) Movie Night at the Market presents the comedy staring Eddie Murphy in which an African prince travels to Queens, NYC to find a wife; best costume wins a premium bucket of beer and tix for the next show, 8:15 p.m., July 1. Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 232-6506, okcfarmersmarket.com. WED

M-F 7am-6:30pm • Sat 9:30am-4pm 2310 N Western 524-0887

She’s Gotta Have It, (US, 1982, dir. Spike Lee) writerdirector Spike Lee’s first feature-length film is a romantic comedy about confident, spunky Nola Darling, who can’t bring herself to choose between three very different suitors, 8 p.m., July 3. Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, 236-3100, okcmoa.com. FRI Yankee Doodle Dandy, (US, 1942, dir. Michael Curtiz) a musical tribute to renowned composer and performer George Cohan with a distinctly campy patriotic bent, 2:45 p.m., July 4. The Paramount, 701 W. Sheridan Ave., 517-0787, theparamountokc.com. SAT Paddington, (US, 2014, dir. Paul King) a young bear travels to London in search of a home and meets the Brown family who offer him a temporary haven, 9 p.m., July 8. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 4457080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. WED

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John Hadley Poetry Reading, Norman writer/ songwriter/artist John Hadley will share anecdotes, word play, goofy poems and stories at a reading from his book, Son of Boogers and Hangnails, 7:30 p.m., July 1. The Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., Norman, 307-9320, pasnorman.org. WED

Full Moon Bike Ride and Sundown Run Does everyone feel as out-of-whack as we do? There are two full moons this month, and instead of complaining about the tides or the random howling we hear at night from the local werewolf community, Myriad Botanical Gardens embraces it. It’s hosting two Full Moon Bike Ride and Run events on both full moons, Thursday and July 31. The rides became so popular that now runners can participate, too. Runs start at 8 p.m. and rides begin at 9 p.m. both nights and last about an hour, unless you stop in for a pit stop along the route at The Bleu Garten or Fassler Hall. Suggested entry donation is $5. Participants meet at the Band Shell at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave. For guidelines and entry information, visit oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.

HAPPENINGS

Thursday and July 31

Eckler’s Classic Chevy Convention, showcase of over 200 classic cars and gives classic car enthusiasts, from all over the world, the opportunity to get together and admire one another’s cars, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., July 2-3; noon-5 p.m., July 4. Embassy Suites Conference Center, 2501 Conference Drive, Norman, 364-8040, hilton.com.

WED-SAT

Paseo Arts District’s First Friday Gallery Walk, an opportunity to explore the Paseo with open houses and artists receptions in the 20 galleries, live music, refreshments and food trucks, 6-10 p.m., July 3. Paseo Arts District, 3022 Paseo St., 525-2688, thepaseo.com. FRI

On The Lawn, yard games and a healthy snack and activity for kids brought to you by Whole Foods Market; food trucks will circle the lawn and a beer tent will be on site for our adult friends, 5-8 p.m., July 2. Whole Foods Market, 6001 N. Western Ave., 879-3500, wholefoodsmarket.com. THU

Freedom Fest, 4th of July festival featuring a kids craft area, a car show, parade, entertainers, free watermelon & ice cream, The OKC Philharmonic, the Cherry Bomb Triathlon, a sand volleyball tournament, and a large fireworks display to end the day, 8 a.m.-11 p.m., July 4. Chisholm Trail Park, 500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon, 350-8937. SAT

Bricktown 4th Fest, the biggest July 4th Festival in Oklahoma; fireworks, live music, baseball and other entertainment, 7 p.m., July 4. Lower Bricktown Plaza, 429 E. California Ave. SAT

FOOD Elevate Your Party Favorites, learn recipes for healthier party foods and upgrade your favorites into a healthier version, 6:15-7:30 p.m., July 2. Natural Grocers, 7001 N. May Ave., 840-0300, naturalgrocers.com. THU

Exit, Pursued by a Bear This Carpenter Square Theatre production runs through July 18 at the theater, 800 W. Main St. Exit, Pursued by a Bear is playwright Lauren Gunderson’s hilarious revenge comedy about Nan, her abusive husband Kyle and a wild bear. It runs 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday and continues July 9-18. Tickets are $5-$20. Visit carpentersquare.com.

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Architecture of Perception The work included in Dayton W. Clark’s solo exhibition, hosted by Dope Chapel at 115 S. Crawford Ave. in Norman, showcases how this introverted intellectual confronts death. The severity and absurdity of his reimagined neoclassical style thoughtfully prods the meaning of the signs and symbols used by our modern society’s mythological entities.

Dope Chapel is open 2-7 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/ Dop3chapel.

Wednesday-Saturday, ongoing

Weekly Farmers Market, shop goods from local produce, bakers and artisans, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., July 3. Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., 2326506, okcfarmersmarket.com. SAT

YOUTH Stage Combat Workshop, free hour-long classes

by Reduxion Theatre Company teaches the basics of hand-to-hand stage combat to teens and kids, 1 p.m., July 1. The Village Library, 10307 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 755-0710, metrolibrary.org.

WED Throwback Thursdays, find old objects and materials you can use for upcycling; take something old and re-purpose it into something new, 10 a.m.-noon, July 2. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. THU History Pioneers Junior Curator Camp, students aged eight to twelve will learn how to handle artifacts, write labels, research, make mounts, and present an exhibit, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., July 6-7.

Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, 521-2491, okhistory.org/historycenter. MON-TUE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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continued

¡Viva Oklahoma!

The state’s largest Hispanic expo and career fair runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 11 in the Centennial Building at the State Fair Grounds, 3001 General Pershing Blvd. More than 17,000 guests will find national, regional and local companies, nonprofits and government agencies ready to speak to them about job opportunities. If you’re bilingual, demand for that skill set has “increased dramatically,” according to the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. There still is time to join the event as an exhibitor, hiring business or sponsor. Visit okchispanicchamber.org.

July 11

Art Adventures, young artists are invited to experience art through a book journey through Cloud: A Children’s Book Inspired by Marc Chagall by Veronique Massenot with illustrations by Elise Mansot, 10:30 a.m., July 7. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave., Norman, 325-3272, ou.edu/fjjma. TUE

PERFORMING ARTS You Can Never Tell, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park presents George Bernard Shaw’s play, You Never Can Tell; a famous author and her children return to England when her missing husband and possible father, appears out of the blue, 8 p.m., July 2-3. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave., 445-7080, oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/events. THU-FRI Sam Demaris & Slade Ham, double feature stand up comedy performances, 8 p.m., Jul. 1-2; 8 & 10:30 p.m., July 3. Loony Bin Comedy Club, 8503 N. Rockwell Ave., 239-4242, loonybincomedy.com. WED-FRI Red, White and BOOM!, free concert with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic playing America’s favorite songs followed by fireworks, 8:30 p.m., July 3.

Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., 948-6700, okstatefair.com. FRI Company, show following an anti-hero bachelor Robert as he makes his way through a series of encounters with single women as well as his married friends and in the end realizes being alone is alone, not alive, 8 p.m., July 2-3; 2 p.m., July 5. The Pollard Theatre, 120 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie, 282-2800, thepollard.org. THU-FRI/SUN Mary Poppins, everyone’s favorite nanny, Mary Poppins, uses her combination of magic and common sense to teach the troubled Banks family how to value each other again, 7:30 p.m., July 7-8. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave., 297-2264, okcciviccenter.com. TUE-WED

ACTIVE Sunset Rooftop Yoga, enjoy Yoga Flow every Thursday evening at sunset on the Caliber Building’s rooftop; class is accompanied by live music, 7-8 p.m.

Balance. Yoga. Barre., 911 N. Broadway Ave., 6206807, balanceyogabarre.com. THU Stars & Stripes Forever 5K, don your red, white and blue for this 4th of July celebration 5K race; most patriotic-dressed runner will win $100 prize, 7 a.m., July 4. Stars & Stripes Park, 3701 S. Lake Hefner Road, 297-2756, okc.gov/parks. SAT

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OKC Dodgers vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, professional baseball game, 7:05 p.m., July 4, 6-7; 6:05 p.m., July 5. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive, 218-1000. SAT-TUE

VISUAL ARTS Cale Chadwick, exhibit of artwork by artist Cale Chadwick who creates pieces of art using her drawing, painting and photography skills; the natural, organic elements found throughout the original Chickasaw allotment that her family still resides on, plays a role in her artwork. Exhibit C, 1 E. Sheridan Ave., Ste. 100, 767-8900, exhibitcgallery.com.

Cut, Carve and Shape Show, 3D work by metal artist Judy Gregg, glass artist Nicki Albright and ceramic artists Jeff and Debbie Kuhns. The Purple Loft Art Gallery, 514 NW 28th St., Suite 400, 412-7066.

Eighteen by Twenty-Four: Six Studies in Indigo, solo exhibit featuring Kachina Leigh Martin that explores the sculptural properties of fabric; mounted fabric pieces and digital images on handmade paper document both process and product through the creation of six different shibori designs dyed in natural indigo in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Project Box, 3003 Paseo St., 609-3969, theprojectboxokc.com.

Emphasis on a Colour Environment, art by painter and curator Amena Butler who investigates color and ways hues in differing compositions impact our environment. Urban Roots, 322 NE 2nd St., 297-9891, urbanrootsokc.com.

Ghost Towns: A Photographic Exploration of Claudette Torneden, photographer fascinated with history through art records images of the social climb and disappearing generations; she explores many of the state’s historical sites and ghost towns documenting remaining history. Red Dirt Gallery, 13100 N. Colony Pointe Blvd. #113, Yukon, 657-6207, reddirtartists.com.

Illuminate, a group show composed of a variety of mediums, united by the camaraderie of the women binding together to further their cause and each other as working artists. Mainsite Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., Norman, 360-1162, mainsite-art.com.

Perceptual Art in Perspective, perceptual art is aboutù how the observer interacts with shapes and colors; each person brings his or her own interpretations, and perhaps illusions, to the canvas.

Paseo Gallery One, 2927 Paseo St., Oklahoma City, 524-4544, facebook.com/paseogalleryone.

Calling all overachievers under 40

Randel Hicks Exhibit, showcase of works by contemporary acrylic painter, Paseo Gallery One, 2927 Paseo St., 524-4544, facebook.com/ paseogalleryone.

Red White and Blue Art Display, featuring various art pieces celebrating the colors red, white, and blue in honor of the 4th of July. Jann Jeffrey Gallery, 3018 Paseo St., 607-0406.

Seeking Monet Art Opening, Oklahoma painter Beth Hammack and international photographer Catherine Adams, 6 p.m., July 3. JRB Art at The Elms, 2810 N. Walker Ave., 528-6336, jrbartgallery.com. FRI Sticks and Stones and Glass and Bones, mosaic works by artist Jenny Perry. Governor’s Gallery, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., 521-2931, arts.ok.gov.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR

The Kitchen Sink, new works in photography, ceramics and abstract paintings by gallery artists Jean Keil, Caroline Cohenour and Chad Woolbright. In Your Eye Studio & Gallery, 3005-A Paseo St., 525-2161, inyoureyegallery.com.

LORETTA BARRETT ODEN

Vitrum Novus Exhibit, the exhibit Vitrum Novus introduces modern approaches and collaborative concepts in illuminated glass art; New works by Christopher Pendleton and Collaborative Works

by Guest Artists Angela Slack and Katherine Reynolds. Kasum Contemporary Fine Arts, 1706 NW 16th St., 604-6602, kasumcontemporary.com.

Outdoor Dinner Series: Native American Cuisine Creative Native American fare prepared and presented by guest chef Loretta Barrett Oden and Park House chef Jonathan Krell will be served 7-9 p.m. July 10 on Meinders Terrace at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave. The menu includes braised buffalo with sunchoke potato mash, three sisters salad and dark chocolate bread pudding and a choice of side items. Native American flutist Teresa Smith Galoob also will perform. Space is limited, and registration is required. Tickets are $60-$75 and are available at oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com.

CLASS OF 2015

To nominate Oklahoma City’s brightest young leaders visit www.okc.biz

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

July 10 For OKG music picks see page 37

O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J U LY 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 1 7

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life food & drink

Star-spangled sustenance It’s really hot outside, which means it’s also perfect weather for fresh, patriotically hued produce.

By GreG elwell

Hot dogs and hamburgers are great, wonderful even. That’s why Americans eat them all the time.

But as Independence Day draws near, perhaps it is time to appreciate the bounty of the season as we commemorate the overwhelming success of the country we straight-up ganked from Native Americans.

(But seriously, we live on appropriated property, and you know it.)

So let’s really celebrate America the way Americans do best: by eating some of it.

Matt Burch wants you to eat a tomato, especially if you think you hate tomatoes.

“The tomatoes at the grocery store are completely different than what we have here,” said the Urban Agrarian founder. “They’re thick-skinned, watery and bred for shipping. They’re picked green and gassed to ripen.”

They don’t taste good, but he said they’re not really supposed to. Those are tomatoes grown to be moved across continents.

“Now look at these,” he said, nimbly sorting through a box of slicing tomatoes in his office, “tender, red, just picked.

These are planted for color and flavor.

That’s flavor that develops on the vine.”

The staff at Urban Agrarian, 1235 SW Second St., knows its produce and how to use it. Sales manager and co-owner Shiloh Kile can break down the science of how tomatoes picked too young and overly refrigerated yield mealy, flavorless fruit.

Crimson pride

One great thing about gazpacho is you can make it with ugly tomatoes. Perfect skin is irrelevant, as some recipes call for the tomatoes to be peeled and most are either diced or pureed into a lively summer soup.

Experiment with heirloom varieties and classic slicing tomatoes to mix sweet tomatoes with acidic ones and find the right texture. If you’re stuck trying to

figure out the right tomato for you, Burch said to ask.

“Everyone here is very knowledgeable,” he said. “They cook at home. They’re passionate about food.

People here are always swapping recipes and trying new things.”

Other items to get: fresh sweet peppers (add a little diced spicy pepper for kick), cucumbers, garlic and olive oil. Most of those ingredients can be found at Urban Agrarian, and they will likely taste better than their supermarket counterparts.

It comes down to when a crop is picked. A fresh market cucumber will be sweeter and easier to eat without any preparation, while many supermarket varieties have a bitter skin that must be peeled.

And with local greenhouses popping up and a growing demand, Burch said it won’t be long until locavores can find great-tasting tomatoes and other produce almost year-round.

Still, there’s no better time to dig into farm-fresh vegetables and fruits. Once you buy them, don’t wait too long to eat them either. Restaurants that purchase from Urban Agrarian see turnover every few days, but when a tomato is ready to eat, it can’t sit long before it gets overripe.

Kile said better-tasting produce also means you might have to deal with more bugs. They, too, know when it’s time to eat.

At any given time, you’ll find up to 12 varieties of tomato at Urban Agrarian, but shoppers might find even more variety if they hit up the area’s everexpanding number of farmers markets.

Local growers might hit a bumper crop at any time, which means a visit to OSUOKC Farmers Market, Uptown 23rd Farmers Market, Mercy Market and Metro Tech Farmers Market can yield delicious finds.

Edmond, Norman, Midwest City, Moore, El Reno, Choctaw and other cities also host farmers markets, so you might not have to drive far to find fresh

Add color and zest to your summer with fruits and vegetables like these found at Urban Agrarian.

GazpaChO serves 8

3 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 cloves chopped garlic

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 cups canned tomato juice

salt and pepper to taste

juice of 1/2 a lemon

Directions: Stir together all ingredients, chill and serve cold.

1 tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon

fruits and vegetables.

Berry cheesy

Red might be the most plentiful color this season, but it’s easy to find local whites and blues, too.

Krebs-based Lovera’s Handcrafted Foods has a line of Italian-style cheeses called caciocavera that come awfully close to white but taste so good you wouldn’t care if they were purple.

The batista caciocavera combines cow and goat milk for a creamy, nutty flavor that’s delicious melted or on top of a fresh salad. (If you’re thinking about shaving some over your gazpacho, stop right there. It’s a great idea. Go with it.)

Or you could combine the white with

the blue for an inspired dessert of cheese and fruit. Urban Agrarian has plenty of blueberries (and blackberries) for anyone craving a sweet end to their patriotic repast.

If fruit and cheese for dessert seems kind of European, it’s probably not a bad time to note that a bunch of our ancestors were also Europeans, so let’s just eat some of Oklahoma’s bounty and get through another scorching-hot Fourth of July.

After all, it’ll be winter soon enough, and tomatoes will be scarce, but there’ll be plenty of hot dogs and hamburgers to sustain you until summer comes around again.

O k l a h O m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 1 9

PHOTOS By KEATON DRA P ER

Gannon Mendez places a pizza into a brick oven.

life food & drink

Best wurst

There’s no prohibition against fantastic franks, especially now that they’re served at 51st Street Speakeasy.

Frank’s Wurst

By Greg Elwell

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What works: Pork tacos, homemade sausages and kimchi fries.

What needs work: Wait times can get hairy on busy nights.

Tip: It’s a bar, so don’t take your kids.

Ahi tuna tartare

Italian sausage and pig ear cracklins Kimchi fries

sausages. It’s a time-consuming process, but Hookstra doesn’t seem to care. He just wants to make good food.

I had the Italian sausage ($6), and I have no idea what sauces they put on it.

(Most of their sauces are house-made, too. That’s kind of insane, right?)

I just asked the staff to make it the way they’d want to eat it, and it showed up at my table and it was beautiful.

They offer curry ketchup and jalapeño sweet relish, and if you want hot Cheetos on it, they’ll do that, too.

It’s a bar, man. They can do whatever they want.

And therein lies my favorite thing about Frank’s Wurst. Hookstra could do everything the easy way and most people wouldn’t care. Have you seen the line at Taco Bell at midnight?

Drunk people will eat anything.

But rather than aim at mediocre, this crew of tattooed misfits throws special after special up on the board.

Fresh pig-ear cracklins ($4) (with some fried chicken skin thrown in for good measure)? That substantially raises the bar on bar food.

They have an ahi tuna tartare ($7), with fresh, pink fish stacked high on top of a bed of seaweed salad and avocado. That’s not something you make when you half-ass your job. That kind of dish shows passion.

I know they put mini tacos ($6) on the menu to satisfy the masses’ hunger for novelty, but they are top-notch. The pork is textured perfectly, almost meltin-your-mouth tender, and the flavor was better than I’ve had at plenty of taquerias.

Hookstra still uses the food truck out and about in the community, but if you need a reliable dose of Frank’s Wurst, he and his staff man the counter at the Speakeasy six nights a week.

Whether you drink or not, it’s a bar worth visiting just for the food.

P HOTOS BY GA RETT FI S BEC K

The food at the 51st Street Speakeasy was never bad. It just wasn’t great.

Sure, you could get a burger or chicken strips or bacon-wrapped shrimp and it was fine. You were there to drink or to play The Lost Ogle trivia or see a comedy show, though. You ate because you were hungry, not because you were hungry for Speakeasy’s menu.

That has changed, thanks to Frank’s Wurst.

Owner Kody Hookstra brought his popular hot dog and sausage cart fare into the Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St., and quickly made the kitchen his own, turning out food that is perfect for a night of drunken debauchery or people who just like food prepared by someone who gives a damn.

Here is an itinerary for you: 1. Before you order your beer or cocktail, go to Frank’s counter. It’s across from the bar.

2. Ask the nice gentlemen (the one in the backward cap is likely Hookstra) if they will please make you an order of kimchi fries ($8).

3. Pay the man. Ain’t nothin’ free.

4. Go get your drink and wait for those kimchi fries to arrive.

What they will set down in front of you will look like a basket of fries caught in the crossfire of a brutal feud between a purveyor of quality condiments and a rogue butcher. No one survived. There is no victor to cheer nor vanquished who needs your tears.

All that you can do is honor their sacrifice and eat those fries.

Chunks of grilled steak marinated in Asian spices stud the surface of this battleground, as do dollops of Hookstra’s house-made kimchi, Sriracha and truffle mayo.

(What is kimchi? It’s like sauerkraut, except that a Korean decided to make it 1,000 times better.)

These are big enough to be a meal or even something you might share with a friend or loved one. But no one who loves you would take these away from you. This is a test, and they failed. Eat your kimchi fries alone and know your life will be better now without those people.

If you’re still hungry, that’s great news because now you can go and get a burger or a sausage from Frank’s Wurst. This joint makes its own

1114 NW 51st St. | 51stspeakeasy.com | 463-0470

LIKE US!

51st Street Speakeasy decor dates back to Prohibition.

Easy favorite During the wild Prohibition era, 1920-1933, sneaking into an illicit bar called a speakeasy held an attraction both forbidden and exciting.

When you drive by 51st Street Speakeasy and see the Art Decolettered sign on the sprawling house, it’s not immediately clear where to enter. Park around back and look for the entry sign.

Once inside, you’ll find comfort and booze among eraaccurate decor featuring pictures of flappers, gangsters and contraband barrels of beer and whiskey.

“The main house was built in McAlester during the early 1900s and was moved in pieces here during the 1930s,” said venue owner Kevin Sine.

Legend has it that the house (actually houses; there are three of them attached) over time has been a speakeasy, a brothel, a nursing home and even an antique shop.

The first floor includes a large bar area and a stage for live music, with a smaller bar off to the side. Two patios create a popular after-work hangout and late-night gathering place.

Upstairs is a warren of hiddenaway rooms and vintage bars.

For upcoming events and more information, visit 51stspeakeasy.com.

— Angela Botzer

S T N E V E G A N N E R A E K UPCOMAIT FIRELA August 8 • 7inPMg ox Championship B

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.ARENA /FIRELAKE EARENA @FIRELAK

FICE.COM F O X O B N P 37 C 405-273-16

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O k l a h o m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 1

M A RK HA N COC K / FI LE

Guinness brat from Parking Lot Party (PLP)

M A RK HA N COC k

life food & drink

Easy kill Your lunch (or breakfast or dinner) just got a whole lot better thanks to these original and offbeat food trucks.

Melanie Wilson buys lunch from Jan Clem at Klemm’s Smoke Haus.

By Angela Botzer

Finding delicious, handcrafted fare while on the go can be a harrowing and unfulfilling experience. Running out for a 30-minute lunch all too often ends in the drive-through lane of a fast-food chain as an order-by-number meal gets scarfed down in our cars, away from prying eyes that might witness our shame.

Stop doing that.

Fresh, authentic fare is available from a variety of local food trucks that offer everything from Irish cheddar potato cakes to off-the-grill onion cheeseburgers, organic local juices and even Chicago-style tacos.

Note: As with all food trucks, hours and days vary. Check social media for locations.

Parking Lot Party (PLP) facebook.com/PLPFoodTruck Twitter: @PLPFoodTruck Instagram: @plpfoodtruck 996-6426

The Parking Lot Party (PLP) truck offers tailgate food at its finest.

“I would describe our cuisine as American fare,” said Maggie Ketron, who owns the truck with her husband Kenny Ketron.

She said the 1/3-pound grilled onion cheeseburger ($7) topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle and mayo is always a crowd favorite.

The truck also features off-the-menu items like fresh grilled purple asparagus ($5) sourced from an Edmond farmers market when in season.

A BLT+A with bacon, lettuce, tomato and sliced avocado is $8. A Guinness beer brat sets you back only $5.

If it’s a morning meal you’re after,

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order the Texas-style breakfast taco topped with red onion, avocado and cilantro ($4.50).

Super Juice

superjuiceokc.com facebook.com/SuperJuiceOkc Twitter: @SuperJuiceOkc Instagram: @superjuiceokc 401-7511

The summer heat makes people thirsty.

Rehydrate at Super Juice.

“We use all organic and local produce in our juices,” said Chadd Hook, Super Juice co-owner. “All of our recipes are original, with our own twist. ... We saw the food truck scene grow in OKC, saved as much money as we could, and got started.”

The Green ($8.50) is the No. 1 seller and is made with kale pressed with spinach, celery, cucumber, pineapple, ginger and parsley.

“Our juices and smoothies are a healthy lunch replacement rather than fast food,” Hook said.

Try the cooling Sweet Apple juice ($8.50) made with pineapple pressed with apple, cucumber, lemon, ginger and mint.

Klemm’s Smoke Haus Twitter: @KlemmsSmokeHaus Instagram: @klemmssmokehaus 562-8616

When a truck boasts, “A Little Bit of Germany, A Whole Lot of Barbecue!” on its side, you have found easy, fast German fare at Klemm’s Smoke Haus.

“We call our cuisine Germaninfluenced barbecue, mixing Germany with our local style of barbecue. We are passionate about making sure everything we do is from scratch,”

said Jan Clem, who co-owns the truck with husband John and son JJ. “We come up with our own recipes to create something that you cannot get anywhere else. It never gets old, hearing people make comments about how wonderful one of our dishes is.”

Sought-after menu items are the Smokehouse Combo ($11) and the Jowler Combo ($11). These are hefty, and both are served with hand-cut salt-and-pepper fries. The Smokehaus Combo is beef brisket, pork, jalapeños, onions, cheese sauce and barbecue sauce served between two slices of toasted bread.

“Klemm’s is one of my favorite food trucks,” customer Lexi Piper said during a recent visit. “My favorite part is the cheese sauce they use. Paired with the jalapeños and barbecue sauce, the combination is delicious.”

Lalo’s I Love My Taco Chop & Grill lalostacochop.com Twitter: @LalosTacoChop Instagram: @lalostacochop 535-7532

“Our Chicago-style tacos and burritos are different,” said Lalo’s I Love My Taco Chop & Grill owner Lalo Hernandez.

“The tortillas are made fresh … the recipes are authentic, passed down from my mother and grandmother, and use top-grade steak, not shredded.”

Marinated beef or chicken tacos are $4 each and come topped with family-recipe salsa. The marinated beef steak burrito is $8 and includes homecooked pinto beans. Optional toppings include lettuce, cheese, sour cream and homemade salsa.

Hernandez is a busy man. In

addition to creating and selling scrumptious tacos and burritos, he is Oklahoma Independent Food Truck Association president.

“This is an association where food truck owners can come for information about licenses, food innovations and community outreach,” he said.

Learn more at foodtrucksokc.com.

St. Paddy Cakes

Twitter: @StPaddyCakes Instagram: @st.paddycakes 226-3152

The whimsical design of a leprechaun and dirigible outside the St. Paddy Cakes food truck is indicative of the creativity inside.

“I told my artist I wanted to mix the old and the new,” owner Doug Riddles said during a recent stop, “with Irish and steampunk.”

Easy enough.

The signature Irish Paddy Cake ($9, or $6.50 for a half portion) is an Irish white cheddar potato cake topped with smoked corn beef, warm cabbage slaw flavored with Irish whiskey and housemade whole grain smoky Guinness mustard.

“Most people either love or hate cabbage, and when we get people to try it, they say this is the best they have ever had,” Riddles said.

The Poke ($8, or $5.50 for a half portion) is a white cheddar potato cake topped with Murphy’s Red Ale & Spicerubbed smoked pulled pork, and it comes with your choice of Dr Pepper or slowburn Guinness barbecue sauces.

“I really enjoy seeing customers’ faces when they taste their food as others say, ‘I want what they’re having,’” he said.

mark hancock / FI LE

Super Juice

food BriefS

GA RE TT FI S BE C K

By GreG elwell

Comeback kid

T

TON THE PATIO!

RedPin’s canalside patio offers prime views of the Bricktown 4th Fest fireworks. Join us July 4 for great burgers, cold drinks, personal service, and free parking in Lower Bricktown.

Parrott promoted Picasso Cafe recently promoted chef Ryan Parrott to the post of director of culinary operations.

Parrott — who made a name in Oklahoma City with concepts such as Iguana Grill, Local, Tamazul and Table One — was the acting chef de cuisine at Picasso before the title change. The new role means he’ll be in charge of the eatery’s culinary experiences as well as the meatball food truck Ciao Wagon and the new Paseo restaurant Mesero Mesero, said co-owner Shaun Fiaccone.

Parrott’s influence has brought a new focus on daily specials to Picasso, and Fiaccone said Parrot is poised to take the restaurant group into the future.

One stop on the way will be Mesero Mesero, a Mexican concept at NW 28th Street and Walker Avenue.

“Even as we were developing the space, the idea of Mexican food kept popping up,” he said.

The preponderance of great, local Mexican fare isn’t intimidating to The Last Sandwich Fiaccone; it’s challenging.

GAZE TTE STAFF / FIlE

A new S&B’s Burger Joint will join the family this week, as the burgeoning chain opens a location in Midwest City on Friday.

Built inside the bones of a former Poblano Grill at 1909 S. Douglas Blvd., the newest S&B’s will be the restaurant’s ninth location (although only eight survive after the Norman branch burned in February).

Partner Shannon Roper said they’ve received positive feedback from the community and on social media that people are excited to see an S&B’s near them.

“It’s a great location partially because of the base [Tinker Air Force Base], but it’s generally a heavy traffic area,” he said.

“There’s lots of new housing and new developments going in, and it’s close to Choctaw.”

To christen the new joint, the Midwest City S&B’s will have a cash donation-only soft opening Thursday with all proceeds going to the food bank.

The restaurant will seat 137 inside with a large covered patio out front.

T

Burger charity

T FIREWORKS T T

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6014 N May • 947-7788 • zorbasokc.coM

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After months of waiting, fans of beloved Western Avenue bar and restaurant VZD’s might see light at the end of the tunnel. Chef Eric Smith said the business, which closed its doors in 2014, should reopen by the end of July.

VZD’s, 4200 N. Western Ave., has undergone a lot of refurbishment, but Smith said the dividends promise to pay off for customers. Its long history as a retail space meant the bar was not ideally suited for restaurant use and needed upgrades to core systems, including electrics. Smith hopes the improvements will yield a more functional restaurant.

About 75 percent of the old menu remains, including burgers, chicken salad and blue plates specials. But by creating a Crown Heights neighborhood restaurant, Smith will incorporate several new, healthier menu options.

“That’s what we want it to be, and that’s what the people want it to be,” he said, “a day-in, day-out neighborhood restaurant.”

However, an entirely new concept from Smith is going in the space next to VZD’s. The Crown Room will be a 12-seat, one-table restaurant serving a tasting menu that will change monthly. The restaurant will employ three sommeliers, one each for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night services.

BOWLING LOUNGE WWW.BOWLREDPIN.COM

> 200 S. OKLAHOMA > LOWER BRICKTOWN

O k l a h O m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 3

Girth of July In honor of America’s birthday, we compiled a list of all-American foods that are, if we’re being totally honest, not at all allAmerican. America isn’t old enough to have all-invented foods. We just stole food from everywhere else and called it American because that’s what we’re good at — co-opting other cultures and then pretending it was ours all along.

— by Greg Elwell, photos by Mark Hancock, Garett Fisbeck and Keaton Draper

nd foods

Coney island no. 2

Patty wagon

2632 w. Britton road 840-9364

240 Sw 25th St. 232-8734

3600 n. May Ave. 917-1711

“As American as apple pie” is an odd statement, unless you mean “It came here on a boat with a bunch of Europeans.” But it’s ours now, and we’re not giving it back. Boldly holding it in American custody is purveyor ND Foods, which is a pie maker of some acclaim. You won’t find any runny apples or soggy bottoms here, just a deeply sweet and satisfying apple filling and a tender, sugary crust.

Hot dogs are sometimes called frankfurters because they originated in Frankfurt, Germany. A little-known clause after WWII remanded custody of the mild sausage to the U.S. But, fearing the Germans might come back for it, we hid the hot dog under a blanket of chili and cheese. You can still find them prepared this way at Coney Island.

The hamburger has lots of origin stories.

Was it a Hamburg-style steak? Was it served between toast in New Hampshire?

Did Ronald McDonald hook up with the Burger King and give birth to Wendy?

No. Definitely not that last one. But wherever it came from, one of the best burgers around can be had at Patty Wagon, where they serve the Red Dirt Burger with Oklahoma barbecue sauce, crisp bacon and luscious grilled onions.

500 NW 23rd St.

405.524.0503

George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

712 Culbertson Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 525-8111 • M-Sat 11-7 2 4 | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | O k l a h O m a G a z e t t e

LIKE US ON

Sunny Side Up 100 Se 19th St., Moore 793-2450

In England, cookies are called biscuits.

Do not order biscuits and gravy in England — they’re terrible. Over here, we do it right, specifically if the “over here” you’re referring to is Moore’s Sunny Side Up diner. Oh, you can get eggs (hen-ploppers), bacon (oink strips) and pancakes (sweet skillet breads), but when you order biscuits, they’ll be big, fluffy biscuits covered in rich white gravy. Take that, King George!

r ine ’s D m i J

Jim’s Diner New LocatioN

Spencer’s Smokehouse & Barbeque

Stella Modern italian Cuisine

Mama e’s wings & waffles

9900 ne 23rd St. | 769-8373 spencersbbqokc.com

1201 n. walker Ave. | 235-2200 stellaokc.com

3838 Springlake drive 424-0800

Germans claim they invented barbecue, but they also claim that socks and sandals are appropriate summer footwear, so who are you going to believe? You probably won’t even think about lederhosen or The Scorpions at all when you’re plowing through a rack of tender ribs or a plate of expertly smoked brisket at Spencer’s Smokehouse & Barbeque.

Bison is truly America’s favorite animal, unless you count eagles and purebred dogs and most other animals. Okay; bison isn’t that popular, but it should be. Bison will be your favorite when you visit Stella and order a plate of bison short rib. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good meat, and the flavor is like steak to the power of steak. What’s the square root of bison? No one knows because we’re too busy eating.

How many wings are on an average chicken? If you guessed two, think again. Every part of the chicken is technically a wing if you’ve glued a bunch of chickens together to make an airplane. But the good people at Mama E’s refuse to use chicken adhesives, so when you get wings, you know they’re special — meaty, fatty, crispy and delicious. It’s the American way.

J im ’s D iner

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S U N - S at 6 a M - 1 0 P M 7950 Nw 39th EXPWY • 405.495.5105

Call in orders available for pickup.

Closed on Sunday Follow us on Twitter @bhcajun and like us on facebook at Bighead’s in Edmond, OK

617 SOUTH BROADWAY • EDMOND • 405-340-1925

Summm Events watch the downtown fireworks

2nd Tuesday of the Month

7/18 - pizza truck cook off

more information @

www.bleugarten.com photo by choate house O k l a h O m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 5

Go outside!

During those long summer months out of school, we lost track of how many times Mom and Dad hollered, “In or out! Make up your mind!” and “We don’t pay all that money just to air-condition the front yard!” Now, you’re a grown-up, too. Ah, the cycle of life. When not yelling these epithets at your own kin, get out there with them and remind yourself just how fun those summer days can be.

— By Kory B. Oswald and Jennifer Chancellor Photos by Garett Fisbeck and Mark Hancock

Oklahoma City Dodgers CHICKASAW BRICKTOWN BALLPARK 2 S. MICKEY MANTLE DRIVE MILB.COM 218-1000

With eight home games in July, the newly branded Oklahoma City Dodgers will certainly score an entertainment home run with your little ones. Take the tykes to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, where they can roam free on the playground as they burn off calories from the soda, pizza and hot dogs you fed them before the game.

The team takes on the Omaha Storm Chasers nightly Saturday-Tuesday.

Al’s Bicycles

Sam Noble Museum

7930 N. MACARTHUR BLVD.

2401 CHAUTAUQUA AVE., NORMAN

ALSBICYCLES.COM

SAMNOBLEMUSEUM.OU.EDU

728-7100

325-4712

According to the experts at Al’s Bicycles, cycling is a lifestyle. The selfproclaimed largest independent bicycle dealer in the state also says cycling enables good health, fun and freedom. ’Merica! So get to one of Al’s four metro locations to find gear that suits every need and every family member.

Through September, kids ages 17 and under enjoy free admission the first Monday of each month. Why not celebrate the savings by buying everyone cookies from Redbud Café, located inside? Besides, everyone needs energy for the adventure ahead in the Discovery Room, where preschool and elementary school-aged kids can create, scavenger hunt, craft, touch, dig and discover.

Boathouse District 725 S. LINCOLN BLVD. BOATHOUSEDISTRICT.ORG 552-4040

This might literally be the coolest place you visit this summer. The Boathouse District showcases outdoor activities

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KC’s #1 Explore O age Shop Vint

such as kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing and the 80-foot tall SandRidge Sky Zip line that will whisk you away from everything.

You’ll also find festivals, youth camps, classes, whitewater adventures, training opportunities and competitive events in the Boathouse District. Half-day paddling camps for youth ages 8-16 run through July. Get the kids off their butts and into some water.

essories Clothing • Accot Records & hesr curious good

in the Plaza 1759 NW 16th • Oklahoma City • 405-528-4585 Open Tues-Sat 12-7 • Like us on Facebook

Porch School & Art Supply 5200 N. SANTA FE AVE. PORCHSCHOOLSUPPLY.COM 524-3309

This locally owned shop was established in 1963 and offers 10,000 square feet of every art supply imaginable, such as print paper, easels, art markers, drawing tables, canvases, furniture, brushes and face, watercolor, acrylic and oil paints.

(You can even browse the Duck Tape catalog!) We’d list more here, but there are approximately 16,000 items to choose from.

Museum of Osteology 10301 S. SUNNYLANE ROAD MUSEUMOFOSTEOLOGY.ORG 814-0006

Take the gang out for a day of bone-picking good times. This museum displays around 300 skeletons from around the world so visitors can compare and contrast specimens as varied as mice, a Narwhal horn and a 40-foot humpback whale. The venue’s website boasts that 98 percent of all exhibit items are real. Pack a lunch before you go, as the museum offers a place for picnics, too.

O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E | J U LY 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 7

life CoMMUnity

Keaton Dra p er

Mobile shears A metro couple works on a barbershop that provides the sanctity of the barbershop space to those who cannot access one on their own.

By tyler talley

Vanessa Morrison, one half of an Oklahoma City couple attempting to provide a barbershop space to everyone, believes a barbershop is more than somewhere to get your hair cut.

“It is a safe, public space where fellowship is welcomed with little to no limitations,” she said.

The Mobile Barbershop is the brainchild of Morrison and Bruce Waight Sr. It will be a full-service barbershop that travels from location to location year-round. It will operate out of a self-sustaining 26-foot 1960 Airstream Land Yacht. The unit accommodates three barber chairs and runs on a generator.

Waight plans to use the mobile barbershop to bring the space to clientele who might not have access to it otherwise, such as the elderly, physically disabled, institutionalized youth currently in foster care and college students living on campus.

“For me, it’s just a positive space for people to express themselves, to be comfortable, for mentorship to happen.

I think it’s just a good space for positive things,” Waight said.

This aspect goes hand in hand with the grooming side of what the barbershop provides, giving a fully rewarding experience to the client, he said.

The initiative will be communitybased, meaning it will not just be a barbershop but a space in the community where people can have important social interactions that they might not have access to otherwise, Morrison said.

“Coming from a low-income neighborhood, we didn’t have a gym.

We didn’t have a park. We didn’t have things like that around, and that doesn’t

2 8 | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | O k l a h O m a G a z e t t e

mean we don’t deserve the same quality of life as everyone who does have access to those things,” she said. “So instead of waiting for a developer to come in or a property owner to revitalize their unit, why not bring that to [the community]?

We do that with food and everything else, so this should be something that should be accessible to everyone that wants to be a part of it.”

The barbershop creates many benefits for the community, including important and open dialogue about social issues and mentorship. A barbershop is a place where generations can learn from one another, where social entrepreneurship is promoted and you can simply catch up with friends, Morrison said. Therefore, Morrison and Waight believe it is important for people to have this experience.

Community benefits

Waight said it is this unique social and cultural experience that differentiates smaller, privately owned barbershops from the bigger chains such as ProCuts.

“There’s a big difference between a chain and a family-owned or a local business,” Waight said. “It’s like a restaurant. I think it’s just more care that comes out of the service. There is more of a relationship that’s built with the client, and I think that is the biggest difference.”

Morrison said that she and Waight also hope to add basic healthcare screenings to the list of services The Mobile Barbershop provides. She said this is due to the close relationship regular clients will often form with their barber.

“A lot times, people will trust their barber before they trust a doctor or

Vanessa Morrison and Bruce Waight Sr. are new owners of the 1960 Airstream Land Yacht that will house a mobile barbershop. anybody else.” she said. “We want to do health screenings like checking blood pressure, screening for diabetes and things like that.”

Morrison said that they are exploring opportunities for expansion, should the initiative turn out to be a success. A recent partnership with The Homeless Alliance will allow the initiative to provide the homeless population within the alliance’s program its services twice a month for free. Morrison said she has had previous conversations about the possibility of the truck appearing and offering services at bigger events such as H&8th Night Market.

A launch party for the initiative was held on the rooftop of Allied Arts in OKC on June 29th. The event featured live music by Nita Fruit as well as a silent auction of local art.

Waight and Morrison first met at an event on the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s rooftop. Originally from San Antonio, Waight moved to OKC around 2001 and has been a barber in the metro for about four years. Morrison is currently a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture in the regional and city planning program.

Morrison said that the initial spark for The Mobile Barbershop came after the couple witnessed a mobile barbershop while they were visiting family members in Nassau, Bahamas.

“I just thought this was ingenious.

They were bringing this service to a community where transportation is an issue; public transportation is a barrier,”

Morrison said.

Morrison and Waight began to consider possible ways to create such a service in Oklahoma. A concrete idea did not come to fruition until one of Waight’s regular customers became ill.

“He got really sick and had some heart complications and ended up having to stay in the hospital for a couple of months. So Bruce would go visit him and do little grooming things for him while he was in the hospital,” Morrison said.

After doing this for a while and helping some of Waight’s regulars in similar situations, he and Morrison decided that it was time to put their idea for a mobile barbering service into action last summer.

At the time, such a service was not legal in the state.

Until recently, mobile barbershops were not permitted to operate in Oklahoma, but new legislation will allow such barbering services to exist within the state with certain provisions: the service must be self-sustaining (meaning it will require a generator), it must provide a schedule of when and where it will operate and it is prohibited from using certain chemicals, meaning that hair dying services will not be allowed.

For those interested in helping the initiative, a GoFundMe page has been set up. Visit gofundme.com and search for The Mobile Barbershop.

bi gstoc k.com

life safety

Fire safely Educate yourself on what’s legal before you set a light to those festive July Fourth combustibles.

By Greg Horton

While there are dozens of opportunities to see fireworks displays in and around the metro, many Oklahomans also enjoy creating their own displays.

Unfortunately, the list of places it’s illegal to do so is a long one.

Additionally, lighting up at least one of the most popular fireworks — the bottle rocket — is unlawful across the state.

This season, follow these tips from local officials and the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a legal and safe Independence Day celebration.

No, no

Remember when you dropped a bottle rocket into an empty Coke bottle and lit it? At some point, people decided to forego the glass receptacle and started lighting those suckers in their own hands before chucking them skyward — or at friends or relatives.

All of it is illegal (and can cause major injury). The Legislature makes everything sound a little odd, so the statute actually refers to them as “skyrockets with sticks.”

Whatever you call them, stop using them. They’re illegal.

Bang bang

Oklahoma City, Edmond, Bethany, Midwest City, Norman, Del City and Yukon ban discharge within city limits. Most cities make it illegal to sell or possess them, too.

The upside is a short drive will

carry your family and your explosives to safe harbor. This week, you can shoot fireworks 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday in Choctaw, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday in Okarche and 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday in Mustang, city officials said.

Be sure to check area burn bans, as Oklahoma County does not ban the ignition of fireworks in rural areas as long as a burn ban is not in effect.

Discharging fireworks in any Oklahoma state park is also illegal. To do so could result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of $50 to $500.

Don’t shoot

If you plan on using sky lanterns to recreate that scene from Disney’s Tangled for your would-be princess, don’t. The Legislature added those to the banned list in 2013, joining M-80s, skyrockets and cherry bombs.

Common sense

The following restrictions generally apply to the entire state, but most of them should be common sense.

For example, you cannot light fireworks in or throw them from a moving car.

You may not discharge them within 500 feet of a school or church either.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers more safety tips at cpsc.gov. Enter “fireworks” in the search field for related information.

July 27-29 • 6:00pm-7:30pm Cimarron Middle School For kids oF all ages with disabilities and their siblings Students and their one-on-one adult helpers will rotate through stations like story time, music, and science experiments

PRE-REGISTER TODAY! www.summitok.org Late registrations accepted Wherever yOu are On Life’S path, COMe CLiMb With uS

Our Mission: to be an inclusive faith community striving to live and learn the way of Jesus Christ

Everyone welcomed. Everyone loved.

Services held at Cimarron Middle School every Sunday at 10:40am

www.summitok.org

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LIFE VISUAL ARTS

Emotive marks

J. Chris Johnson is headed in a new direction with his art and leaving works of wonder in his wake.

Art by J. Chris Johnson

BY JACK FOWLER

J. Chris Johnson stands in front of his sprawling and stunning new art show at Brass Bell Studios, 2500 NW 33rd St., and talks about all the paintings he hasn’t yet made.

There are 44 new oil paintings taking up the entire south wall of the studio, hanging an inch apart from one another in a gothic patchwork of shadowed faces and dim landscapes so tightly arranged and brooding it looks like a memory quilt somebody made for Edgar Allan Poe. It’s as if Johnson doesn’t see them.

“Once you’re used to something, it’s just making biscuits,” said Johnson, 40, describing his approach to his work over the past two decades. “It becomes a recipe. It’s easy to do the same thing over and over again if you don’t make a conscious effort not to. It’s why I like all of my newer pieces better than the old ones.

I want to keep progressing and trying to stretch myself. I’m always looking for where to go from where I’m at.”

Creative vision

Where he’s at is a long way from where he has been. The Corpus Christi native has dabbled in different forms and mediums over the past 20 years but never attempted painting until he booked the Brass Bell show, which runs through Saturday.

Not only that, but Johnson designed the exhibit’s breathtaking layout before he made a single brush stroke, essentially giving himself 44 blank canvases to fill before the first Sunday in June, when the collection debuted.

Johnson, who is mostly self-taught, said this collection of oil paintings is just the latest phase in two decades of artistic exploration.

“All I really did as far as training was take high school art,” said Johnson.

“I skipped college for skateboarding. I figured all that would happen if I went to art school is that I’d go into a ton of debt and then I’d graduate and still be working at a craft store.”

A voracious creator, he compiled enough pieces early on to show in and around Corpus Christi and eventually discovered a unique portrait style that became the solid ground from which he could leap. His rough but beautifully rendered portraits of friends, sketched in homemade pastels on ragged scraps of cardboard, began popping up in local galleries three years ago. But while Johnson was beginning to gain some recognition for his signature style, he said

he noticed a disconcerting pattern.

“There was just no progression,” he said. “I was making biscuits again.”

It’s showtime

Enter the Brass Bell show. While certain ingredients — dark, richly saturated palettes, brushstrokes so choppy they’re almost impressionistic — are still prevalent, the main course hints of something extraordinary: a remarkably talented painter discovering his signature.

The pieces are bold, beautiful and painted with absolutely no regard for the possibility of error. Johnson admits that he makes three or four paintings every day, and it’s as if one can see his willingness to throw the canvas in the trash and start a new one at any time.

The results are immediate and startling.

Roughly a third of the collection is made up of two-toned portraits: barflies, old Hollywood starlets, Johnson’s friends (some also admittedly barflies), even Abraham Lincoln. Some are stretched arbitrarily, as if some ancient tintype was being held up to a funhouse mirror. Some are bleeding and running off the edges of the canvas, a technique Johnson achieves by smearing turpentine over the painted surface. All of them are so emotionally — almost violently — laid down that it’s as though they were painted with knives.

“I actually painted this lady with a napkin,” Johnson said of one of the most remarkable pieces in the collection, a two-toned portrait of an old Hollywood actress glamour photo stretched vertically almost to the point of distortion and bleeding at the edges into pure impressionism.

But despite the experimentation, despite the breathtaking carelessness with which Johnson seems to approach his work, the woman is beautiful and engaging and conveys something when you stand in front of her.

All of Johnson’s paintings are like that. There is something behind the eyes of almost every portrait on the wall. A richly layered and vibrant portrait of one of his friends leaning back on a bar conveys the ease and self-assurance of a young Woody Guthrie. A smaller portrait hanging almost directly above it, a bearded man on a white canvas, is so breezily imagined that it looks like a doodle.

The emotional impact on the viewer, however, remains undiminished.

It’s that emotion, Johnson said, that

M A RK HA N COC K

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

J. Chris Johnson with his artwork at Brass Bell Studios. determines whether or not a piece is a “keeper.”

“The learning process for any kind of art is just failing over and over again,” Johnson said. “I was never taught to paint properly, and I still don’t know how to. Me holding a paintbrush is like a gorilla threading a needle.”

Bob Ross

As for the progression, the where to go from here, Johnson has a ready answer.

“Did you ever watch Bob Ross when you were a kid?” he asked. “I used to remember him making a painting and really loving it, and then he’d spend the last ten minutes adding clouds and bushes and ruining it. He would just add too much. Why did he need to add all that extra detail for?”

Johnson points to a piece in the middle of the wall, a portrait so unassuming it’s nearly overlooked.

It’s a sliver of a face, a quarter-moon swimming in a dark pool. The expression is placid, noncommittal.

Johnson said it’s his favorite piece in the show and the direction he’s headed.

“I just want to learn how to convey the same emotion using the least amount of brush strokes,” he said.

Whenever Johnson does catch the style he’s chasing, he said he’ll continue to be a portrait painter in the meantime and he’ll continue to thrive on the immediacy of not only his style but his subjects.

LIFE PERFORMING ARTS

Patriotic pomp P ROVI DE D

OKC Philharmonic’s Red, White and Boom! blowout gets bigger and better every year.

BY MARK BEUTLER

Red, White and Boom!

8:30 p.m. Friday State Fair Park 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd. okcphilharmonic.org 842-5387 Free

Put on your shorts and flip-flops, grab a blanket or lawn chair and join Oklahoma City Philharmonic on Friday for Red, White and Boom! Now in its ninth year, the free event is open to everyone at State Fair Park.

“We welcome the whole community to join us in celebrating our nation’s independence,” said Susan Webb, director of marketing at Oklahoma City Philharmonic. “This is our free gift to central Oklahoma. We will have the most spectacular fireworks display in the metro and some new surprises as well.”

The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. and is conducted by maestro Joel Levine.

Some of the patriotic tunes in store for spectators include “America the Beautiful,” “Armed Forces Medley,” “The Washington Post March,” “God Bless the USA,” “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and other all-American favorites.

“Many years ago, this all started as a collaboration with a local production company who created a three-day event on the Oklahoma River,” Webb said.

“When that event was discontinued, the philharmonic, along with our community partners, saw the value of continuing to provide a night of excellent patriotic music and fireworks in an Independence Day celebration.”

Since then, it has grown.

“What started as an event with several thousand in attendance has, over the past

eight years, turned into an Oklahoma tradition for 15,000 to 20,000 people annually,” Webb said.

Planning an event of this magnitude starts early in the year and usually takes about six months. Because it is free, a number of partners work together to make sure everything is in place. Those partners include Inasmuch Foundation, The Oklahoman, American Energy Partners, Williams, Great Plains CocaCola Bottling Company and Magic 104.1 as well as State Fair Park, Allied Arts and Oklahoma Arts Council.

“We are able to provide this familyfriendly celebration to the whole community free of charge thanks to our wonderful partners,” Webb said. “It really takes a village, and our growing attendance is affirmation that together, we can provide peerless entertainment

Fireworks during last year’s Red, White and Boom! for the local community with talent from national and local artists.”

One of those artists performing with OKC Phil is Oklahoma’s own Emily Drennan. Most recently, she has been touring with a production of Mamma Mia! Drennan is becoming a veteran with OKC Phil and said she is always ready to come home.

“I love being back in Oklahoma and the musicianship of each of the players.

And, of course, the musicianship of Joel is of the highest caliber,” she said. “So, it is an honor to be back and to make music together.”

Free parking is available through gates 5 and 6 at State Fair Park, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd.

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Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3-by-3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9.

New York Times Crossword Puzzle answers Puzzle No. 0621, which appeared in the June 24, issue.

O F F A L

N A I V E

P I G I T

M B A S

O R D O

L A I O N S A C U A N N S U I V T E A R B E L E E N

E L R O P O

Q U A D R U P L E I D U S

A L H A I G

P E R U R E T I N J K E E T G E E N E R E C O N I N J I S E D S O U R T L T O M A R H O S E E S T D A T E I D D R C H E A U C S T T E T

C O U L D A U P L I N K S N E U R O N

H A T S I L R I G S T I C E S T K T R O O S L I N F O A M S V R Y J E A E R I P O N N J U N C E S T E R F R A S I S T A P T V E S T M A D H O R L A M I M I N A C O M E E O N S

Go to

okgazette.com/GWW to enter to win a pair of tickets:

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BETWEEN THE BURIED & ME

Wed., July 15 @Diamond Ballroom

GAZETTE’S WEEKLY WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED EACH WEEK IN THE TABLE OF CONTENTS Printed winners have 7 days to claim tickets 3 2 | J u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | O k l a h o m a G a z e t t e

By Timothy Polin / Edited by Will Shortz

ACROSS 1 Sunni jihadist grp.

5 -— 10 Alternatively, online 14 -— 19 Impermanent hill 20 Bath-loving TV character 21 Lionhearted sort 22 College booster?

23 Fuji rival 24 Ingredient in glassmaking 25 Meal plan 26 Architect of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao 27 Genetic variant 29 Melodramatic sound 31 What may be forever?

33 High-school class, briefly 34 Exams that students get F’s on?

35 Liquid harmful to vampires 37 100 Iranian dinars 38 Fully caffeinated, say 39 Stood for 40 Singer Carlisle of the Go-Go’s 42 Yardbirds 43 Lexical ref.

44 Land 45 Former Seattle pro 46 Looney Tunes “devil,” for short 47 — 49 Lighted icons on airplanes 53 Coming down the line?

55 -— 57 Offshoot 58 Scratches (out) 59 Imaginary 61 Former Houston athlete 62 Annual celebration on Jan. 6 65 First silent film to win Best Picture since Wings 68 — 69 i, for -1 70 Arch locale 71 Give a zero-star review, say 73 “Once again …”

75 When viewed one way 76 Opposites of fantasts

80 Piddling 82 Response deflecting blame 83 More to come shortly?

85 Magnetic-induction unit 86 Org. whose website has a lot of links?

88 Poetic dusk 89 Something to take to a beach 90 English monarch called “the Magnificent” 93 Manhattan campus 95 ____ voce 96 Move like groundwater 97 The devil’s workshop, as the saying goes 99 — 100 Sea dog 101 — 102 Peace, to Pushkin 103 Over again 104 Time for a siesta, perhaps 106 Boot 108 Whole essence 110 Having a row 112 Fibonacci, for one 113 Atop 114 Shark girl in West Side Story 115 TV amazon 116 Initiates 117 Tickled, and how!

118 Part of an unsound argument 119 As a consequence DOWN 1 State bordering B.C. 2 Rio de Janeiro peak 3 Something caught in the air 4 Some arctic hunters 5 [Automobiles] 6 Member of a noted quintet 7 Big inits. in comedy 8 Attaches, as with rope 9 Study for a Masters?

10 One doesn’t have much resistance 11 Golfers drive off it 12 Ready follower?

13 Mobile home 14 [Video games]

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15 ____ kwon do 16 Garbage collector 17 Multitudinous 18 Quid pro quo on the radio 28 Young salamander 30 Small storage space 32 North-flowing English river 34 What might be revealed in silence 35 Ibsen’s ____ Gabler 36 Fresh from a shower 37 Crunchy snacks 39 Quit it 41 Mad ____ 43 Gape at 45 Some offshoots 47 [Sportswear] 48 Firm, in a way 49 Step above amateur 50 Debtor’s burden 51 Pamplona runner

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54 Getting together 55 [Mattresses] 56 Fancy spread 60 Foolhardy 62 Paradoxically, when it’s round it’s not circular 63 Trick, slangily 64 Horse color 66 Suggestions 67 Improved, as relations 68 [Elevators] 72 Bean on the moon 74 Actress Cannon 75 Sneaky 77 Vessels near washstands 78 Lipton employee 79 Needlework 81 Book report?

82 General defeated by Scipio, ending the Second Punic War

111

0628

New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle climbing the corporate ladder

84 Grow tiresome 86 “Balderdash!”

87 “g,” to a chemist 89 Relative of a halberd 90 Prevents 91 “Hey ____” (1977 Shaun Cassidy hit) 92 Minimal 93 “Soap” spinoff 94 Glandular prefix 95 Certain 35mm camera 98 Magnifying lens 99 [Insurance] 101 [Hotels] 103 Some madrigal singers 105 Ballet step 107 Earth-shattering invention?

109 2008 bailout recipient, for short 111 Path to enlightenment

Stumped? Call 1-900-285-5656 to get the answers to any three clues by phone ($1.20 a minute). The answers to the New York Times Magazine Crossword Puzzle that appeared in the June 24 issue of Oklahoma Gazette are shown at left.

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3 4 | J U LY 1 , 2 0 1 5 | O K L A H O M A G A Z E T T E

GA RETT FI S BE C K

As OKC’s soccer team hits the halfway mark of the season, going to the playoffs seems certain.

Nearing the midway point of its second season, Oklahoma City Energy Football Club has a new stadium, a handful of new players making a big impact and a new perch near the top of United Soccer League’s Western Conference standings.

The Energy finished 9-14-5 in their inaugural season in 2014 and played their home games at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.

After 14 games so far this season, the Energy is 7-4-3 and in fifth place in a tightly packed Western Conference.

Sacramento Republic FC moved ahead of LA Galaxy II to take first in the Western Conference. LA Galaxy II are in second and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks are in third, with the Seattle Sounders FC 2 in fourth place.

The conference’s top six teams qualify for the playoffs.

Six of the Energy’s seven wins this season have come at its new home, Taft Stadium. Originally built as a WPA project in the 1930s and used by Oklahoma City high schools for decades, the stadium underwent a $12 million upgrade and was nearly completely rebuilt to be the Energy’s new home.

Crowds have responded. The Energy is averaging more than 5,600 fans per home game, fourth in the league and up from the 3,700 it averaged last season.

Some new faces have helped in the turnaround. Denmark native Danni König, a forward for the Energy, is tied for first in the USL with nine goals, earning the USL Player of the Week honors twice this season.

Veteran holdovers like captain Michael Thomas, Gareth Evans and Kyle Greig have also been solid.

Greig scored five times this season and is second on the team with 11 points, earning Player of the Week honors in early June following a stretch where he scored three times in two games.

Oklahoma City’s Michael Thomas during a recent game between OKC Energy FC and Portland Timbers 2.

Thomas has been part of a defensive backline that has helped new goalkeeper Evan Newton to a streak of five straight shutouts that ended the week before last. Newton allowed six goals in Saturday’s game against Louisville City FC. The Energy lost 6-2 after tying it two-up after the half.

In all, Energy is No. 5 in the Western Conference with 24 points as of press time on Monday.

Those shutouts were part of a seven-game winning streak that put the Energy atop the standings.

Wins over the Switchbacks and Seattle Sounders FC in consecutive games in April got the season off to a strong start that, coupled with a win at Sacramento in late May, have the Energy in a strong position to be one of the Western Conference’s six playoff teams.

But challenges remain if OKC is going to reach the postseason. The team has a trip to Los Angeles for a Sunday rematch with the Galaxy II. It plays again at Taft Stadium July 11 against Orange County.

In all, the club plays nine of its final 16 games on the road before finishing the season at Arizona on Sept. 16, part of a closing stretch in which three of its final four games are on the road. The final home game of the season, Sept. 12 against the Switchbacks, will likely have huge postseason implications for both teams.

If there has been a weakness for the Energy this season, it has been an inability to win on the road.

But for now, the Energy is surging halfway through its second season with the playoffs firmly in its sights.

life music

On demand

Western Avenue Association unveils WestFest, a free Sept. 19 street party and festival with almost 20 music acts on two stages.

By Jennifer Chancellor

WestFest Noon-10 p.m. Sept. 19 Western Avenue from NW 41st to NW 43rd streets westfestok.com Free

Main stage Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey Deerpeople Beau Jennings + The Tigers Tallows Elms Gum Rachael Brashear Bowlsey Annie Oakley The Nghiems

Acoustic-eclectic stage

Tulsa-based jazz fusion icon Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey headlines this year’s inaugural WestFest street party, joining almost 20 music acts and dozens of local eateries and businesses in a celebration of the eclectic district.

Western Avenue from NW 41st to NW 43rd streets will be closed for the free festival, which runs noon-10 p.m.

Sept. 19. An after-party will follow at VZD’s Restaurant & Club, 4200 N. Western Ave. The event is a response to popular demand, said Rachael Taylor, Western Avenue Association executive director.

“It was crazy. We polled everyone, and they all said the same thing,” Taylor said. “Patrons overwhelmingly said they wanted a big street festival.”

When organizers put out a call for musicians, they responded, too. More than 125 local and regional bands applied, and 19 were selected. Acts such as Deerpeople, Annie Oakley, Bowlsey, Gum and Softaware will perform on two outdoor stages.

“Oklahoma is full of incredibly gifted musicians,” Taylor said. “It’s exciting to know how dedicated they are to the district and its success.”

provid ed

Mikah Young Jarvix Jerrod Beck Gabriel Knight Hancock Willow Way Jose Hernandez LoneMoon Allie Lauren Softaware

Western Avenue between Will Rogers Theatre on 43rd Street and VZD’s on 41st Street will close as district restaurants, bars and retailers open their doors and set up booths for the pedestrian-friendly event, Taylor said.

One dozen local food trucks also will sell food and drinks, and a come-and-go beer garden will serve Anthem Brewing Company, Roughtail Brewing Company and Choc Beer’s new craft beer, Born Free.

Access to the beer garden, located in the parking lot next to The Barrel, requires a valid ID and paid admission, Taylor said.

Venues along the party corridor include Sushi Neko, Musashi’s, The Lobby Cafe & Bar, The Drum Room, 42nd St. Candy Co., folk.life, A Date With Iris, Eden Salon & Spa, Beck’s Garage and Sipango Lounge.

Streetscape projects are underway from 41st to 45th streets along Western, so guests also will witness improvements.

“It’s a unique time to see the old and the new to get a feel for the amount of work that’s being done,” Taylor said.

The area is improving streets,

sidewalks and lighting to make it more pedestrian-friendly.

“This festival is about creating fun and good times in the district specifically and in our city in general,” Taylor said.

Guestroom Records, The Tasting Room, Weldon Jack, Savory Spice Shop, All About Cha, The Wedge Pizzeria and The Garden Gnome Bonsai are within walking distance of the event. Crown Heights neighborhood just east of

About JFJO

Founded by Brian Haas in 1994 while he was a music student at the University of Tulsa, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey has toured the globe, wrote an acclaimed album about the Tulsa Race Riot and recorded almost 30 albums.

“They’ve been amazing in their support of this festival,” Taylor said.

For decades, the group has played at Western Avenue venues such as VZD’s.

Its live sound is progressive and original and fuses sounds of free jazz, electronica, blues, pop, avant-garde, Americana and hints of swing, zydeco and punk into a sound it calls Red Dirt jazz.

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey headlines the inaugural WestFest street party in September.

Western also is walkable and filled with historic homes and expansive parks.

Organizers will soon release more festival details. Oklahoma Gazette is an official event sponsor.

JFJO’s WestFest gig coincides with the September release of its psychedelic comic book, The Battle for the Earth, which includes a download of a live concert the trio recorded late last year in Denver.

The band’s long trek through its experimental and evolving soundscape also means it has been everything from a nine-piece to a trio. It now includes core members Haas on piano, Fender Rhodes, bass and Moog; Chris Combs on lap steel, electric guitar and synthesizer; and Josh Raymer on drums.

O k l a h o m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 3 5

Road worn

Turnpike Troubadours plays songs from their upcoming album at Saturday’s Zoo Amp blowout.

By GreG horTon

Turnpike Troubadours with Jason Boland & The stragglers and american aquarium 5:30 p.m. Thursday The Zoo amphitheatre protix.com $25-$45

Kyle Nix grew up around fiddles. His paternal grandfather made fiddles, so they were all over the house, taking up chairs and couches and floor space.

“I wasn’t allowed to touch them when I was a kid,” Nix said. “They were an ‘adult thing.’”

Nix, a Stillwater native, was raised in nearby Perry, and when he turned 9, he received a fiddle. He started learning how to play it that same day. Now, he’s the fiddle player for Turnpike Troubadours, a Red Dirt band from Oklahoma.

“I sort of snuck into the band right as John Fullbright was leaving,” Nix said.

Turnpike Troubadors

“We all knew each other, and I had been in another band, so we had all heard each other play.”

Fullbright went on to pursue a solo career, which included a Grammy nomination for his first studio album.

The talent in and around Stillwater is remarkable when compared to other towns its size across the U.S. Thanks to its proximity to Bob Childers’ childhood home, Stillwater is widely considered the home of Red Dirt country, and the Turnpike Troubadours certainly fit within the category.

“I don’t mind the Red Dirt label,” Nix said. “We like many of the bands in that genre, and some of our influences, including Jason Boland and Cross Canadian Ragweed, fall into the category. It also speaks of a sound from Oklahoma and Texas, but at the same time, we just talk about making good music.”

The band will be in Oklahoma City with Jason Boland to do a show at The

Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th St., Thursday. Nix said he counts Boland an influence because of his songwriting skill and his wealth of information about music and the task of being a musician.

“If you’re going to do Americana or country or roots music, it should come from the perspective of people who live it,” Nix said. “Jason does that, and he writes good country songs that provoke emotions; his songwriting is just great.”

As part of this tour, the band will be promoting its new album due to be released September 18. It was recorded in California in April. Nix said they took a month off from the road to record it and the project was produced by guitarist Ryan Engleman and producer Matt Wright.

“We all chipped in during the process, but Ryan spent most of the time in the chair,” Nix said. “We have already released the first single to a couple radio stations.”

The single “Down Here” is a

juSTi N voi GHT / p rovi de d

life musiC

meditation on how good it is to be back home “after getting your butt kicked on the road.” The self-titled album also includes two tracks from the band’s debut EP. “These are songs we play regularly live, and they are fan favorites,” Nix said.

“We had a list of about four to choose from, but we didn’t want to overdo it with remakes.”

Drummer Gabe Pearson is the only member of the band who does not live in Oklahoma.

“The other guys are all scattered throughout the state, but Gabe has settled in north Texas,” Nix said. “We like to refer to it as Southern Oklahoma though.”

It’s a fitting joke for a band that plays within a genre that takes the best of both states’ musical pedigrees — roots, swing, country, Americana and bluegrass — and makes something new and fiercely alive while paying homage to the past.

Original creations

By GreG horTon

an evening with 311 7 p.m. monday Diamond Ballroom 8001 s. eastern ave. diamondballroom.net protixonline.com 866-977-6849 $32

Twenty-five years is a remarkable milestone for a band, especially when it has the same lineup for most of that time.

Alternative-reggae-rap-funk fusion act 311 rolls through Oklahoma City at 7 p.m. on Monday for stop three of its anniversary tour at Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern Ave. Its bandmates grew up together in Omaha, Nebraska, where 311 developed its unique sound. It focused mainly on edgy reggae-rock until 1992, when guitarist Doug “SA” Martinez joined full-time. From there, it grew to include

3 6 | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | O k l a h O m a G a z e t t e

311

aspects of hip-hop.

“We carved out our own thing,” bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Wills told Oklahoma Gazette. “We had the ability and the encouragement from parents and friends to pursue whatever path we chose.”

Through the ’90s, 311 established its reputation as a hardworking touring band with high-energy shows.

These days, the band is far more selective about when and where it tours, but it still hits the road hard.

“I’m counting the days until our tour starts,” Wills said.

Recently, 311 has focused more on one-off festival gigs that allow larger crowds, more fan interaction and more time with their families. Instead of vans, busses and airplanes; luggage and passports; and monthslong worldwide excursions, the band flies into a location, plays a festival set and then flies home.

Four of the quintet are fathers, and most of the band’s recent touring is limited to California, especially the 100mile radius around Los Angeles. In 1995, 311 bought a recording studio in North Hollywood, where it has made every album since.

This tour follows the release of Archive, a four-disc anniversary box set that features B-sides, bonus tracks and previously unreleased material.

Time away from live shows also allows the men more time to create, Wills said.

SA and vocalist Nick Hexum do most of the writing as the group embarks on its 12th album, but Wills and producer Scott “Scotch” Ralston joined the songwriting process during the making of the 2014 album Stereolithic.

“It adds more sources to draw from that way,” he said.

Downtime also gives Wills plenty

of time to engage with the fanbase on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. In 2013, he even volunteered for a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything).

“I enjoy the social media. I try not to take it too seriously, but politics does occasionally come into it,” Wills said. “I try to be genuine.”

One thing he does a lot of online is endorse the legalization of marijuana, a subject about which he has long been outspoken. He and his wife of 14 years have strong opinions about it, especially as they raise two children together.

“The rationale for making it illegal simply isn’t there,” Wills said. “It’s not killing people. We are going to be honest with our kids. You want to protect them from some of the realities of a world that can be terrifying, but marijuana is not part of what is terrifying about the world.”

provid ed

311 paves its own road to music success and celebrates 25 years together at Monday’s tour stop.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

Roy Book Binder, Blue Note Lounge. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

p rovi de d

LIVE MUSIC

Roy Lee Scott and the Flying Cowboy Band, Sliders.

COUNTRY Shortt Dogg, UCO Jazz Lab, Edmond. BLUES SquadLive, Louie’s on the Lake. POP

Alec Johns, Five Star Grille. SINGER/SONGWRITER Casey & Minna, Saints. VARIOUS Derek Harris, Baker Street Pub & Grill. ACOUSTIC Grant Wells, Skirvin Hilton Hotel. PIANO Jon Dee Graham and the Fighting Cocks, The Blue Door.

FOLK

SATURDAY, JULY 4 Attica State, Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe. VARIOUS Banana Seat, Riverwind Casino, Norman. COVER

Maurice Johnson, R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ

Buffalo Rogers, The Blue Door. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Steve Crossley, Red Rock Canyon Grill. SINGER/ SONGWRITER

DJ Rodney Ladd, Colcord Hotel. VARIOUS

Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

THURSDAY, JULY 2 Brent Saulsbury/Will Galbraith/Wayne Duncan, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK DJ R&R/Southern Rift, Colcord Hotel. HIP-HOP Joe Stansberry, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY Kali Ra/Larry Chin/Hannah Wolff, 89th Street Collective.

ROCK Kierston White/Camille Harp/Elizabee/The Tease/ Chess Not Checkers, The Deli, Norman. ACOUSTIC Power Pyramid/Tonne/Galactique, 51st Street Speakeasy. INDIE SquadLive, Baker Street Pub & Grill. POP Stars, Red Rock Canyon Grill. COVER

Don and Melodee Johnson, Twelve Oaks, Edmond. JAZZ HOOK/John Arnold Band, Reaves Park, Norman.

COUNTRY Kristen Ford, Red Brick Bar, Norman. FOLK Life of the Party, Remington Park. COVER Miss Blues, Bourbon Street Bar. POP Nicnos, Lower Bricktown Live on the Green. FOLK Roy Lee Scott and the Flying Cowboy Band, Sliders.

COUNTRY The Great American Jug Band, The Deli, Norman. ROCK TJ Chesshire, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

COUNTRY

Power Pyramid

Zero2sixty, Red Rock Canyon Grill. ROCK

SUNDAY, JULY 5

OKG

Power Pyramid

music

Turnpike Troubadours/Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Zoo Amphitheatre. COUNTRY

David Morris, Colcord Hotel. PIANO

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Jungle Rot/Dark Arsenal/Center of Disease, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

Attica State, Five Star Grille. VARIOUS

Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Elizabeth Speegle Band, Myriad Botanical Gardens. POP

Mike Hosty ‘One Man Band’, The Deli. ROCK

pick

Thursday

Roaring indie pop act Power Pyramid joins Tonne and Galactique for a free show 10 p.m. Thursday at 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St. The band, comprised of James Hammontree, Brent Hodge, Daniel Weaver, Trey Millward and Kilyn Massey, released its new full-length album, The Horror of Trespass, in May. Stream it now or order it on cassette tape via powerpyramid.bandcamp.com.

provided

Blinddog Smokin, Bourbon Street Bar. POP

Garrett ‘Big G’ Jaobson, Riverwind Casino, Norman.

BLUES

MONDAY, JULY 6

Gentry, Kendell’s Bar. VARIOUS

311, Diamond Ballroom. ROCK

Kristen Ford, JJ’s Alley. FOLK

Alan Orebaugh/Stupid Guitar Tricks/SK Love, The Deli, Norman. ROCK

Broken Okies, Wormy Dog Saloon. COUNTRY

Lazy Rooster Rhythm Co./Brown Bag Face/Caleb McGee, The Deli, Norman. BLUES Life of the Party, Remington Park. COVER Paseo Street Walkers, Paseo Arts District. JAZZ

Jason Isbell/John Moreland, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa.

SINGER/SONGWRITER Rick Toops, Friends Restaurant & Club. ROCK

Paseo street Walkers, Paseo arts District, friday provid ed

Rick Jawnsun, Red Rock Canyon Grill. ACOUSTIC

TUESDAY, JULY 7

Eric Dunkin, Baker Street Pub & Grill. ROCK

ACM Live Link/Caleb McGee, The Deli, Norman. VARIOUS

Maurice Johnson, R&J Lounge and Supper Club. JAZZ

Justin Young, Uptown Grocery Co., Edmond. JAZZ

Rockwell Ryan, Red Rock Canyon Grill. ACOUSTIC

Lake Street Dive/Eric Himan, Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa. POP

Scott Miles, Five Star Grille. SINGER/SONGWRITER

Third Eye Blind/Dashboard Confessional/Augustana, Zoo Amphitheatre. POP

Scott Lowber/Will Galbraith/Ed VanBuskirk, Friends Restaurant & Club. COVER

Witness the Recreant/A Glimpse of Utopia/The Orchid, 89th Street Collective. ROCK

shortt Dogg, uCo Jazz lab, friday

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Bulletboys/L.A. Guns/Killer Bee, Thunder Alley Grill and Sports Bar. ROCK

Kyle Reid & the Low Swingin’ Chariots/Blair Crimmins & the Hookers, The Deli, Norman. JAZZ

Submissions must be received by Oklahoma Gazette no later than noon on Wednesday seven days before the desired publication date. Late submissions will not be included in the listings.

Submissions run as space allows, although we strive to make the listings as inclusive as possible.

Fax your listings to 528-4600 or e-mail them to listings@okgazette.com. Sorry, but phone submissions cannot be accepted.

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cover film

Garett fisbec k

Driving home Owner Lindy Shanbour still shows first-run movies to generations of sold-out audiences at Winchester Drive-In.

By Brett Dickerson

Loyal circle

Loyal customers, loyal employees and a loyal owner create a cinema experience unique to the Winchester.

That circle of commitment begins with customers who keep coming back and filling up the Winchester’s parking spaces each night.

People look for Chester as they approach the location just north of Interstate 240. Chester is the cowboy on the Shanbours’ signature, two-story neon sign that has welcomed patrons since the drive-in opened.

Just past the sign, moviegoers see another familiar face. Each night, Shanbour says hello to guests as he sells tickets.

They are greeted with a particular courtesy Shanbour learned when he first started working for his older brother, Farris, who started him out tearing tickets at age 14 at one of the many theaters in Oklahoma Entertainment, the family franchise.

Unlike staying in his office, working the ticket booth gives Shanbour the customer contact that allows him to know what they want and like. The exits are close to the booth, so he hears comments as people leave, too.

“I like it out here. I enjoy it,” he said, referring to his preference to spend evenings at the ticket booth. “They’ll

Once you get in the entertainment business, you can’t get it out of your blood.

— Lindy Shanbour

drive up there and say, ‘Thank you for keeping this open. Keep up the good work.’”

Shanbour’s allegiance to his customers was once again revealed after a tornado extensively damaged the building that houses the concession stand, office and projection room in 2013. Shanbour converted to a digital projection system continued on next page

Winchester Drive-In owner Lindy Shanbour sells movie tickets to patrons.

Garett fisbeck

Lindy Shanbour loves people, his employees and the movie business.

He gets to interact with all three every night through the summer as he runs Winchester Drive-In, 6930 S. Western Ave., a busy place in the midst of celebrating its 47th anniversary.

Shanbour, who owns the Winchester, still cannot imagine dropping out of this type of entertainment business, even after 47 years.

“Once you get in the entertainment business, you can’t get it out of your blood,” he said. “I just love it.”

He uses his experience to make sure that the Winchester remains a favorite for locals and out-of-town visitors. He said he wouldn’t trade it for anything, even big offers from real estate developers.

“I like it out here. I enjoy it,” he said.

“It’s a feeling I can’t fully describe.”

As Oklahoma City, Edmond, Midwest City and Norman offer even more outdoor movie nights in various parks in the summer months, some write off outdoor, drive-in theaters as relics of a lost history.

But the Winchester is still a popular venue that shows first-run movies.

The drive-in fills to capacity often enough that experienced customers get there two hours before the first film starts to make sure they get in and get the spot they like.

O k l a h o m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 3 9

Brett di c kers on

cover film

Homecoming memories

Experienced staff

The loyalty of the venue’s repeat customers becomes obvious when they start talking about the Winchester.

Husband and wife Lloyd and Charlotte Kutch have been going there for years.

Lloyd Kutch and his sister, Brenda Bischoff, first visited when they were children.

“I was here the very first year that it opened. Brenda came, too,” Kutch said.

“She probably doesn’t remember because she was a baby.”

They usually visit on Sunday nights because attendance peaks on Fridays and Saturdays and they enjoy the smaller crowds.

“One time on a Saturday night, we were going to meet up with a friend, and it was full, so he had to park outside and walk in to meet us,” Lloyd said.

Tom and Mary Ballas also are regulars and said their first visit was in 1975.

“I love drive-ins,” Tom said. “My first job when I was 15 was at a drive-in in New Jersey.”

The couple’s adult daughter, Tiffany Mateas, now lives in California but visits the Winchester with her folks when she’s in town. It’s a tradition.

“They started bringing me out here when I was a little kid,” Mateas said. “It’s

4 0 | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | O k l a h o m a G a z e t t e

Bob Deupree, Shanbour’s trusted manager, has worked for him for 25 years.

Pam Hudgins, his concessions manager, has been there for nine years.

David Southerland, the cook, said he has been there 11 years. Another concession staffer, Christina Stoner, has worked there for a decade.

Two members of the security team, well into their adult years, each have been employed with Shanbour since they were 14.

The devotion that the owner and staff give back to steadfast customers and even first-timers produces a safe, enjoyable environment for viewers, Shanbour said.

Gliding through the lot in golf carts each night, the security team helps big trucks park in areas that don’t obstruct views for people in cars. They answer questions and remind guests of visitor guidelines that were given out as they arrived.

The etiquette rules help minimize movie interference while maintaining the venue’s reputation of providing a relaxed and friendly outdoor experience.

Return visitors

Some former employees come back simply because they enjoy the

environment and also pitch in to help when they see a need.

Bob Eufinger is well past his days of working night after night in this business, but he can’t stay away, either.

Occasionally, he visits before showtime because he likes the excitement of the preparation.

“I helped him [Shanbour] open it. I teamed up with his brother,” Eufinger said. “I started as an usher at the Tower

Pam Hudgins is the manager of Winchester’s concession operation.

Theatre in 1951. See, I love people. I like crowds.”

He expressed a sentiment also shared by many employees: “The customers out here are fantastic. It’s the loyalty.”

Similarly, Rodney Myers said he helped open the drive-in when he was 16. Even though he has gone on to

below Lloyd and Charlotte Kutch (left and middle) and Brenda Bischoff join other early arrivers as they prepare for the first of two first-run movies.

Lloyd wired in jacks to the back of his truck to plug in speakers especially for their visits to the Winchester. bottom Winchester patrons enjoy a first-run showing of Jurassic World.

Brett dickerson

just 11 days before the storm, and the massive amounts of rain that poured into the building ruined the new projector.

He could have taken the insurance money, sold the property to a real estate developer and walked away.

Instead, he replaced the projector, rebuilt the concession stand and repaired Chester, and the Winchester opened again that October.

Shanbour stays at the ticket booth, but he remains in touch with staff at all times via two-way radios. He is a handson owner.

the first place I saw the movie Jaws.”

It’s a custom the entire family enjoys.

“When my nephews, their grandchildren, come to town, my parents bring them out here,” Mateas said. “They love it.”

Tony Franklin and Leslie Rogers sat in lawn chairs in the back of their pickup as their children Derrek and Gregory rested on a blanket in front of them.

The boys like the Winchester better than indoor theaters. The youngest, Gregory, said that it’s “because [he] can see a bigger screen.” He also said that if he wanted to, he could “get up and play and be a wiggle worm.”

Garett F isbeck

continued from previous page

Bre tt di c ke rs on

college and another profession, he still loves helping out in the kitchen and concession stand because, like Eufinger, he loves the place and the way Shanbour runs it.

Tony Franklin and Leslie Rogers set up for the first movie with their children Derrek left and Gregory.

Good eats

Charlotte Kutch agreed.

“This one doesn’t wash out at all,” she said.

Projectionist Chad Meyer has worked there for four years.

He explained his love for the digital projector that Shanbour was so determined to bring online two years ago. It is the same type of projector used in IMAX theaters.

The venue needs that much projector power in order to overcome obstacles that indoor theaters don’t have. For example, movies at the Winchester are projected longer distances to bigger screens than indoor films. Also, ambient light bleeds in from surrounding businesses, meaning images from a less-powerful machine can be hazy and washed-out. The Winchester’s projector, however, overcomes even bright daylight.

Myers explained that digital projectors don’t use film. Now, movies come to him on hard drives that are inserted into a server that controls the projector.

To inhibit criminals from intercepting hard drives in transit and bootlegging them, movie companies encrypt them and then send Myers the necessary codes to unlock them.

People go to the Winchester to eat, too. It’s a big part of the moviegoing experience at any theater, but it’s bigger there because frequent concession visits don’t require guests to obstruct or interrupt viewing or wriggle awkwardly down isles filled with seated guests like indoor theaters often do.

The concession area is a big room with two lines to accommodate the rush between the first and second movie showings each night.

Shanbour strongly believes that customers deserve quality food and drinks no matter what they buy from the concession stand. His hot dogs come exclusively from the local Schwan’s food company because it consistently provides a superb product.

He and his cook take pride in their franks, hamburgers, chicken baskets and pizzas, which are cooked on-site in a full kitchen rather than in a microwave.

The popcorn machine is a workhorse that has provided dependable service for longer than they can remember because they believe it does a better job than newer models.

There is hot food, candy, peanuts, ice cream and soft drinks, but customers can also buy hats and t-shirts emblazoned with the iconic Winchester sign.

Tech investment

Winchester is no relic. Shanbour frequently upgrades technology so it produces the best possible viewing experience.

Instead of the old-school mono, wire-tethered speakers that must be manually placed inside a car, Shanbour broadcasts an FM signal that guests listen to through their car or portable stereo.

When he invested in the digital projector in 2013, people noticed quickly.

“There is a huge difference,” Lloyd Kutch said. “Used to be, if there were night scenes in the movie, you really couldn’t see them very well. They weren’t very clear.”

Main ingredient

There are many elements to having a successful drive-in that is safe and attractive and provides quality concessions and innovative technology.

If any of the processes fail or are missing, customer experiences are not as good, Shanbour said.

That said, the most important element that allows the Winchester to run as well as it does is loyalty.

Moviegoers are loyal to the theater, employees are loyal to their boss and customers and Shanbour is loyal to his customers and employees.

The circle of loyalty is complete.

O k l a h o m a G a z e t t e | j u ly 1 , 2 0 1 5 | 4 1

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY Homework: What would be the most fun and interesting thing for you to learn next?

Testify at FreeWillAstrology.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) To determine whether you are aligned with the cosmic flow, please answer the following questions.

1. Would you say that your current situation is more akin to treading water in a mosquito-ridden swamp, or conducting a ritual of purification in a clear mountain stream? 2. Have you been wrestling with boring ghosts and arguing with traditions that have lost most of their meaning? Or have you been transforming your past and developing a riper relationship with your roots? 3.

Are you stuck in a gooey muck? Or are you building a flexible new foundation?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Taurus singer Sam Smith won four Grammys this year, largely on the strength of his hit single "Stay with Me." The song has a lush gospel choir backing up his lead vocals, or so it seems. But in fact, every voice in that choir is his own. He recorded twenty separate harmony tracks that were woven together to create the big sound. What would be the equivalent in your world, Taurus? How could you produce a wealth of support for yourself? What might you do to surround yourself with a web of help and nourishment? How can you amplify and intensify your efforts so they have more clout? Now would be an excellent time to explore possibilities like these.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Born under the sign of Gemini, Gustave Courbet (1819-1877) was a French painter who upset traditionalists. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he wasn't interested in creating idealistic art based on historical and religious themes. He focused on earthy subjects about which he had direct experience, like the day-to-day lives of peasants and laborers. So even though he became a highly praised celebrity by his mid-thirties, the arbiters of the art world tried to exclude him. For example, they denied him a place in *Exposition Universelle,* a major international exhibition in Paris. In response, Courbet built a temporary gallery next door to the main hall, where

he displayed his own work. As you strive to get your voice heard, Gemini, I urge you to be equally cheeky and innovative. Buy yourself a megaphone or erect your own clubhouse or launch a new enterprise. Do whatever it takes to show who you really are.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) "I am trying to be unfamiliar with what I am doing," said composer John Cage in describing his creative process. That's excellent counsel for you to meditate on, Cancerian. The less expertise and certainty you have about the rough magic you're experimenting with, the more likely it is that this magic will lead you to useful breakthroughs. To bolster Cage's advice and help you get the most from your period of selfreinvention, I offer you this quote from Picasso: "I imitate everyone except myself."

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Your words of wisdom come from Leo artist Andy Warhol: "Sometimes people let the same problem make them miserable for years, when they could just say, 'so what.' That’s one of my favorite things to say.

'So what.'" Can I interest you in that approach, Leo? It has similarities to the Buddhist strategy of cultivating non-attachment -- of dropping your fixations about matters that can't be controlled or changed. But I suspect you would draw special benefits from the breezy, devil-may-care spirit of Warhol's version. So start there.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) In her late twenties, J. K. Rowling was a single mother living on welfare. That's when she began work on her Harry Potter books. Craig Newmark had turned 42 by the time he founded Craigslist. One of the world's most oft-visited websites is HuffingtonPost.com, which Arianna Huffington established when she was 54. As for Harland Sanders, creator of KFC: He didn't begin building the global empire of fried-chicken restaurants until the age of 65. I hope the preceding serves as a pep talk, Virgo, reminding you that it's never to late to instigate the project of a lifetime. The time between now and your birthday in 2016 will be an especially favorable phase to do so. Start ruminating on what it might be.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) It's the power-building phase of your astrological cycle.

To take maximum advantage, convey the following message to your subconscious mind: "I know you will provide me with an abundance of insight, inspiration, and energy for whatever intention I choose to focus on.

And during the next four weeks, my intention will be to cultivate, expand, and refine my personal power. I will especially focus on what author Stephen R. Covey called 'the capacity to overcome deeply embedded habits and to cultivate higher, more effective ones.'"

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) I'm a big fan of science and logic and objective thinking. Most of us need more of that good stuff.

The world would be a saner, safer place if we all got regular lessons on how to be more reasonable and rational. But in the immediate future, Scorpio, I'll steer you in a different direction. I believe you will benefit from injecting your imagination with primal raw crazy wild mojo. For example, you might read utopian science fiction and fairy tales about talking animals and poetry that scrambles your intellectual constructs. You could remember your dreams and ruminate about them as if they were revelations from the Great Beyond. You may also find it healthy to fantasize profusely about forbidden and impossible and hilarious adventures.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) There are lots of inquiries and invitations coming your way -- perhaps too many. I don't think you should pursue all of them. In fact, I suspect that only one would ultimately make you a better human being and a braver explorer and a wiser lover. And that one, at first glance, may have not as much initial appeal as some of the others. So your first task is to dig deep to identify the propositions that are attractive on the surface but not very substantial. Then you're more likely to recognize the offer that will have lasting value even if it doesn't make a spectacular first impression.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) "I find a lot of people physically attractive, but finding people mentally and spiritually attractive is different and much harder for me." So says 40ozshawty on her

Tumblr page. If you share that frustration, I have good news. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you're due to encounter a higher-than-usual percentage of mentally and spiritually attractive people in the next six weeks. But I wonder how you'll deal with this abundance. Will you run away from it, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect that your life could get more interesting and complicated? Or will you embrace it, daringly welcoming the interesting complications?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) I think you will generate good fortune for yourself by choosing between two equally invigorating but challenging tasks: losing your illusion or using your illusion. Both are quite worthy of your attention and intelligence. To succeed at either would fuel your emotional growth for months to come. You probably can't do them both, however. So which will it be: Will you purge the illusion, or put it to work for you?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Do you sometimes imagine yourself to be an underachieving underdog? If so, I suggest you start weaning yourself from that fantasy. Do you on occasion allow people to take advantage of you? It's time to outgrow that role. Do you ever flirt with being a self-pitying martyr? Say bye-bye to that temptation. Cosmic forces are conspiring to relieve you of tendencies to act in any or all of those ways.

I'm not saying you will instantly transform into a swashbuckling hero who knocks people over with your radiant self-assurance. But you will, at the very least, be ready to learn much, much more about how to wield your vulnerability as a superpower.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes /daily text message horoscopes.

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